Jim Buss, son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, has shaped the NBA franchise’s history. He joined in 1998 as assistant general manager. By 2005, he became executive vice president of basketball operations.
Buss’s tenure saw both triumphs and challenges. His decisions significantly impacted the team’s path during a crucial period. Fan reactions and team performance often reflected his leadership effectiveness.
In 2013, Buss inherited a controlling stake after his father’s death. This led to a high-profile family power struggle. Media closely watched his leadership amid complex Buss family trust dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Jim Buss joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998 and rose to become the executive vice president of basketball operations in 2005.
- After his father’s passing in 2013, Buss inherited a controlling stake in the Lakers, leading to a high-profile family power struggle.
- Buss’s tenure as a Lakers executive has been marked by both successes, such as the selection of Andrew Bynum and the rehiring of Phil Jackson, as well as controversies, including the failed Chris Paul trade and the signing of Rudy Tomjanovich.
- The Lakers’ on-court performance and fan sentiment have been closely tied to Buss’s decision-making, with his leadership being heavily scrutinized by the media and the public.
- The Lakers’ ownership dispute and succession planning within the Buss family highlights the complex dynamics that can arise in family-owned sports franchises.
Jim Buss: Early Life and Background
Jim Buss was born into a family with deep NBA roots. His father, Jerry Buss, owned the legendary Los Angeles Lakers. Jim grew up surrounded by sports and his family’s business ventures.
Born into the Buss Family Legacy
Jim Buss was the second of four children born to Jo Ann and Jerry Buss. His siblings were Johnny, Jeanie, and Janie. All of them later joined the Lakers organization in various roles.
Education and Formative Years
Jim Buss studied mathematics at the University of Southern California (USC). He left before finishing his degree to explore other interests. These included horse training and racing.
Jim Buss spent a lot of time at race tracks, developing a passion for the sport. At 20, he even attended jockey school to learn more about horse racing.
“The decision to restructure the Lakers front office by Jeanie Buss led to the firing of Lakers executive vice president of player personnel, her brother Jim Buss, along with longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak and communications director John Black.”
Stepping into the Lakers Organization
Jim Buss joined the Lakers organization in 1998. He became an apprentice to general manager Jerry West and assistant Mitch Kupchak. This role gave Buss valuable insights into basketball operations.
Buss learned from the legendary Jerry West and experienced Mitch Kupchak. He improved his skills and grasped the complexities of managing an NBA franchise. This apprenticeship molded Buss’s approach to basketball.
Buss also maintained a close bond with his father, Dr. Jerry Buss, the Lakers’ owner. This connection provided him with insights from both front office and ownership viewpoints. It positioned him for future growth within the organization.
“Jim Buss had the unique opportunity to learn from two of the most respected figures in the NBA – Jerry West and Mitch Kupchak. This apprenticeship laid the foundation for his future leadership role within the Lakers.”
The apprenticeship under Jerry West and Mitch Kupchak was crucial for Jim Buss. It prepared him for a more prominent role in the Lakers organization.
Rise to Vice President of Basketball Operations
In 2005, Jim Buss became vice president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. He played a key role in drafting high school center Andrew Bynum. Buss also helped rehire legendary coach Phil Jackson, who led the Lakers to multiple championships.
Buss’s tenure wasn’t without controversies. He faced criticism for his personnel decisions. These included hiring Mike Brown to replace Jackson and the failed Chris Paul trade.
Key Personnel Decisions and Controversies
- Drafted high school center Andrew Bynum
- Rehired Phil Jackson as head coach
- Hired Mike Brown to replace Phil Jackson, a move that was widely criticized
- Failed trade for Chris Paul, which was vetoed by the league
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Lakers’ franchise-high losses in a single season | 55 |
| Lakers’ record after a specific game | 13-39 |
| Upcoming summer’s salary-cap space for the Lakers | Enough to sign at least one max-level free agent |
| Kobe Bryant’s contract expiration | After a particular season |
Jim Buss faced many challenges as vice president of basketball operations. Despite this, he remained crucial in the Lakers’ efforts to rebuild their team.
The jim buss Era as Lakers Executive
Jim Buss’s tenure as Lakers executive saw the team struggle to maintain its championship status. The Lakers missed playoffs for four straight seasons from 2013 to 2017. Buss’s basketball decisions and leadership faced intense criticism during this time.
Buss’s era had ups and downs. The Lakers reached three straight NBA Finals, winning championships in 2009 and 2010. They also achieved an impressive 65-win season in 2008-2009.
However, the team’s performance declined sharply in later years. They fell to the bottom of the standings, unable to replicate past successes.
Key jim buss moves, like signing Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, didn’t pan out. Both players left before the 2018-2019 season. The Lakers also failed to attract star free agents during this time.
The gap between Lakers’ golden era and their struggles under jim buss became clear. Jeanie Buss later led the team to a 2020 NBA championship. The lakers executive‘s legacy remains a hot topic among fans and experts.
“I don’t expect [Jim Buss] to hold the job for more than five or six years.”
– Jerry Buss, former Lakers owner
Ownership Transfer and Power Struggle
Jerry Buss’s death in 2013 sparked a family feud. His six children inherited the Lakers through the Buss Family Trust. Jim and Jeanie Buss fought for control of basketball operations.
Buss Family Trust and Sibling Dynamics
The trust gave each child an equal vote. Jeanie Buss, as president, oversaw basketball decisions. Jim Buss, a former executive, tried to remove Jeanie from the ownership board.
Legal battles ensued, but the trust favored Jeanie. It stated Jerry’s wish for Jeanie Buss, 55, to be the controlling owner. A May probate hearing will likely confirm her control.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Jeanie Buss’s Position | One of only 30 controlling owners in the NBA |
| Lakers Ownership Board | 5 members |
| Buss Brothers’ Attempt | Tried to remove Jeanie Buss from the Lakers’ ownership board |
| Jeanie Buss’s Age | 55 years old |
| Probate Court Hearing | Scheduled for March 11 to address the legal dispute |
The Buss family trust power struggle grabbed public attention. Jeanie’s control seems secure now. This sets the stage for new leadership in the iconic Lakers organization.
Pivotal Moves and Roster Changes
As a Lakers executive, Jim Buss made crucial roster decisions that shaped the team’s future. He acquired veteran stars Steve Nash and Dwight Howard. Buss also extended the contract of the iconic Kobe Bryant.
Unfortunately, these high-profile moves didn’t meet expectations. The Lakers struggled to reclaim their former glory. The team couldn’t achieve the success that fans had come to expect.
| Key Roster Changes | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Acquisition of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard | The team failed to reach its full potential, and the high-profile acquisitions ultimately did not lead to a championship. |
| Extension of Kobe Bryant’s contract | The Lakers continued to rely on Bryant’s star power, but the team struggled to build a competitive roster around him. |
| Trades and free agency signings | The Lakers’ roster experienced constant changes, with mixed results in terms of player acquisitions and team performance. |
The Lakers‘ transition period sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. Jim Buss‘ decisions were closely examined. The team’s struggle to compete at the highest level highlighted the challenges of rebuilding.
Falling Out with Jeanie Buss
In 2017, Jeanie Buss dismissed her brother Jim as Lakers’ vice president. Jeanie had been the team’s controlling owner since 2013. This decision marked a turning point for the Lakers’ family dynamics.
Jim Buss had promised to step down if the Lakers weren’t contenders by 2017. Jeanie held him to this pledge and fired him, though he remained a part-owner.
“Jeanie Buss emphasizes her commitment to making tough decisions to safeguard the Lakers’ success, indicating a determined stance to lead the franchise effectively.”
Jim’s dismissal was a crucial moment for the Lakers. It led to signing LeBron James and acquiring Anthony Davis. These moves resulted in an NBA championship in 2020.
The Buss family’s power struggles have been ongoing. Jeanie has consistently asserted her authority to ensure the team’s success.
Family conflicts can greatly impact a sports franchise’s performance. Jeanie’s dedication to the Lakers drives her decisions, even at the cost of family relationships.
Her unwavering commitment has shaped the team’s direction. It shows the challenges of balancing personal ties with professional responsibilities in sports management.
Public Perception and Legacy
Jim Buss, son of Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, is often seen as introverted and lackadaisical. He’s viewed as lacking his father’s business acumen and vision. Buss’s role in distancing the team from Phil Jackson has been criticized.
His tenure as a Lakers executive is widely considered disappointing. The team’s performance declined during his leadership. They struggled to attract top free agents, contributing to their fall from prominence.
The Buss family legacy looms large over the Lakers organization. However, public opinion on Jim Buss’s leadership remains divided. The upcoming offseason is crucial for Buss and the team’s future.
Buss faces pressure to restore the Lakers’ glory. Alternatively, he may need to oversee a major restructuring. This decision must align with stakeholders’ vision and fan expectations.
FAQ
Who is Jim Buss?
Jim Buss is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the executive vice president of basketball operations. Jim is the son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
What was Jim Buss’s role within the Lakers organization?
Buss joined the Lakers in 1998 as an assistant general manager. He became vice president of basketball operations in 2005. Jim played a key role in personnel decisions and rehiring Phil Jackson as head coach.
How did the Lakers perform during Jim Buss’s tenure as executive?
The Lakers struggled during Buss’s time as executive. They missed the playoffs for four straight seasons from 2013 to 2017. His leadership came under scrutiny as the team’s performance declined.
What was the power struggle within the Buss family after Jerry Buss’s passing?
Jerry Buss’s death in 2013 led to a family power struggle. His six children received equal votes in the Lakers’ ownership trust. This caused tension between Jim and his sister Jeanie, who oversaw basketball operations.
How did Jim Buss’s tenure as Lakers executive ultimately end?
In 2014, Jim promised to step down if the Lakers didn’t improve. Jeanie held him to this deadline. In 2017, Jim was fired as head of basketball operations.
He remained a part-owner of the team.
How is Jim Buss perceived in the media and by fans?
The media often portrays Buss as introverted and lacking business skills. Fans view his time as Lakers executive as disappointing. Under his leadership, the team’s performance significantly declined.