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Jim Buss
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Jim Buss
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James Hatten Buss (born November 9, 1959)[1] is an American sports executive. He is a part-owner and former executive vice president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is the son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Buss was president of the Los Angeles Lazers professional indoor soccer team from 1985 to 1989. He later trained thoroughbred race horses for nine years before joining the Lakers in 1998 as an assistant general manager. He was promoted to vice president of basketball operations in 2005. After his father died in 2013, his controlling ownership of the Lakers passed to his children via a family trust, with each child receiving an equal interest.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Buss was born the second of four children to Jo Ann and Jerry Buss. He grew up with older brother Johnny and sisters Jeanie and Janie. Their parents divorced in 1972.[2]

Buss attended college at University of Southern California (USC), majoring in math before he dropped out. He spent much of his youth at race tracks. Although he stood 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), Buss attended jockey school when he was 20.[a][2]

Professional career

[edit]

Buss invested in a small business with his best friend, but the friend died in a car accident in 1981. The death left Buss devastated and lost, and the business was left to fade.[4] In 1985, Buss became president of his father's indoor soccer team, the Los Angeles Lazers, after his brother Johnny had quit. Buss brought annual losses down from $1 million to $500,000, but the team folded in 1989.[2][5] He next became a horse trainer, receiving from his father the half-dozen thoroughbreds he owned. In 1997, Jerry divested himself of his horse racing stock that was increasingly unprofitable.[2] Shortly after, he invited his son to join the Lakers, a basketball team he acquired in 1979 and built into one of the most lucrative and popular franchises in all of sports.[2][4]

Buss started with the Lakers in 1998 as an apprentice to general manager Jerry West and his assistant, Mitch Kupchak.[1][6] During an interview with Sports Illustrated for its November 1998 issue,[5] Jim shared his thoughts on scouting, saying: "Evaluating basketball talent is not too difficult. If you grabbed 10 fans out of a bar and asked them to rate prospects, their opinions would be pretty much identical to those of the pro scouts."[2] He later said he was trying to compliment Lakers scouts, who faced a challenge with the team usually picking late in the NBA draft compared to the consensus he believed existed with lottery picks, but the quote became controversial nevertheless.[5]

Buss continued to learn the basketball business from his father as well as West and then Kupchak, who was promoted to general manager in 2000.[4] After the Lakers lost in the 2004 NBA Finals, Buss decided that the Lakers would sign Rudy Tomjanovich to replace the outgoing Phil Jackson. That summer, Tomjanovich was signed to a five-year, $30 million contract.[7][8] Tomjanovich resigned after a half season, citing mental and physical exhaustion. The Lakers paid him a $10 million settlement, leading to speculation that the Lakers had instead terminated his contract.[8][9] In 2005, Buss was promoted to vice president of player personnel.[10] His father's plan was to have Buss handle the basketball decisions for the team, while his sister Jeanie, the vice president of business operations, handled the business side of the Lakers.[5]

Buss persuaded the Lakers to draft Andrew Bynum

In the 2005 draft, Buss was a key proponent of selecting 17-year-old high-school center Andrew Bynum, a decision his father needed to approve.[7][11][12] Buss said, "I just absolutely fell in love with [Bynum] in five minutes [watching his workout]." He was also involved in rehiring Jackson as Lakers coach. Buss was the only family member present at Jackson's welcome-back news conference, which the Los Angeles Daily News wrote "was viewed as significant".[5] Buss stuck with Bynum as he struggled with immaturity and injuries, and he withstood demands from Bryant that Bynum be traded.[12]

After Jackson retired in 2011, Buss told coaching candidates Brian Shaw and Mike Brown that Bynum needed to receive the ball inside.[13] Shaw was passed over as Jackson's replacement although the Lakers assistant was openly supported by players.[12] Buss instead hired Brown without consulting their star player, Kobe Bryant.[14] He later said it was a mistake to not involve Bryant.[15] Shaw was not bitter that the Lakers went with Brown, but he was disappointed that after 12 years of service, they did not contact him until three weeks after their decision.[16] The well-respected Shaw atypically criticized Buss in a radio interview over his treatment during the hiring cycle.[17] The offseason also included the NBA player lockout, during which the Lakers let go of nearly two dozen employees with a combined 100 years of experience from the basketball operations staff.[18] Assistant General Manager Ronnie Lester, whose contract was not renewed after 24 years with the team, said "great organizations don't treat their personnel like they've done."[19] CBS Sports wrote that NBA executives are typically discreet, and Lester's public criticism "shows how strongly he feels the Lakers were in the wrong here".[17] Buss feared the season would be cancelled, and said that "we had to do what we had to do. It's not fun; there's no question about that."[15] The lockout ended in the winter of 2011.[20]

Prior to the start of the 2011–12 season, Buss had a deal in place to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets for Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, but NBA commissioner David Stern blocked the trade.[20] That season, Brown expanded Bynum's role.[21] The next season, the Lakers acquired Steve Nash and upgraded at center, trading Bynum for Dwight Howard.[11] The acquisition of Howard appeared to be the start of a new dynasty for the Lakers.[22] With their $100 million payroll, the Lakers were expected to be title contenders.[4] Instead, Brown was fired after a 1–4 start;[11] his dismissal after five games was the third-fastest coaching change in NBA history.[23] In a unanimous decision by Buss, his father, and Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers decided against re-hiring Jackson and signed Mike D'Antoni instead.[24][25] According to NBA.com, Jerry by that time was no longer involved in the Lakers' day-to-day affairs, and rarely exercised his veto powers.[12] Buss, however, said his father continued to be "involved in every decision" in the final months of his life, and he chose D'Antoni.[4] After being passed over in favor of Brown in 2011, Shaw said he was informed by Jerry that "his son is in control now, and he has to let him make whatever decisions that he makes."[16] The 2012–13 season ended up being a disappointment, with Buss saying "we didn't get to realize the dream of four Hall of Famers on the same team."[4]

After Jerry Buss died in 2013, his 66% controlling ownership of the Lakers passed to his six children via a trust, with each child receiving an equal vote.[26][27][28][29] Jerry's succession plan had Jeanie assume his previous title as the Lakers' governor as well as its team representative at NBA Board of Governors meetings.[27][28] After the season, the Lakers were unable to re-sign the free agent Howard, who joined the Houston Rockets while accepting $30 million less than the Lakers offer.[18][20] Sister Jeanie commented that she "would be more comfortable [with her business relationship with Buss] if I understood what the [basketball] decision process was, and I'm not always involved in it."[20] In 2013–14, Jeanie became Lakers president, and her role included overseeing the team's basketball operations while working with Buss, who continued as Lakers executive VP of basketball operations.[30][31] Former Lakers player and part owner Magic Johnson, who was also close to Buss' father,[32] believed that Buss needed to put aside his ego and seek assistance to help the Lakers recruit against rival teams for free agent players.[33][34][35] That season, Buss signed Bryant to a two-year extension worth $48.5 million, even before Bryant had recovered from an Achilles tendon tear. The Los Angeles Times called the deal "one of many terrible Lakers moves" that year.[36]

In January 2014, Buss pledged to his siblings that he would step down if the Lakers were not contending for the Western Conference championship in three to four years.[26][37][38] According to Jeanie, she was holding him to his self-imposed deadline, and was expecting him to lead the Lakers to at least the second round of the playoffs by 2016–17.[39][40] On February 21, 2017, Buss was fired as head of basketball operations of the Lakers, though he continued to be a part owner of the team.[41] After a dispute with Jeanie over ownership of the team, he was removed as a trustee of the Buss family trust and lost his position on the Lakers board of directors.[42]

Public image

[edit]

Buss is introverted and avoids the spotlight, and has never joined any on-court public ceremony for the Lakers.[4] He rarely spoke in public as a Lakers executive, while general manager Mitch Kupchak usually handled the speaking responsibilities regarding player personnel.[43][44][45] Buss is sometimes portrayed in the Los Angeles media as a slacker with his father's tastes but without his business savvy. In 2013, Buss said the playboy image stemmed from his clubbing with his dad 30 years earlier, but stated that he became a "stay-at-home guy. That's where I like to work."[18]

Public perception is that Buss was instrumental in distancing the team from Jackson, including discounting his assistant Shaw from succeeding him as Lakers head coach.[12] During his interview for the position, Shaw said he had to defend Jackson when Buss spoke negatively of their former coach.[16] In a May 2011 interview, Jackson said "there's really not a relationship" with him and Buss.[46] However, Buss in 2013 denied the perception of his relationship with Jackson. "I have zero problem with Phil, and Phil has zero problem with me."[18] Buss said he would be fine if Jackson, who at the time was engaged to Buss' sister Jeanie, was on the Lakers' payroll, but only as a consultant.[18] According to Jeanie, Jackson served as an unofficial consultant: "Phil is a part of the organization because of me ... Jim and Mitch know Phil is a phone call away."[47] Kupchak confirmed that he had interacted with Jackson on unspecified team issues.[48] However, Jackson did not envision a role on the team unless there was "some seismic shift" in the organization.[49] Jeanie also said the Lakers were "in good hands" with Buss and Kupchak in their current roles.[48] The Orange County Register, though, wrote that "many fans would love to imagine" Jackson returning to the Lakers to replace Buss as the leader of basketball operations, and teaming with Jeanie to build a championship team.[50] In 2014, public pressure mounted on the Buss family to hire Jackson, as he was discussing a front office position with the New York Knicks.[51][52] However, the Lakers did not have a suitable front office role to offer him, and Jackson joined the Knicks as their president of basketball operations.[31][53]

Personal life

[edit]

Buss married in 1983, and the couple adopted a son, Jager. Buss and his wife separated months later, but continued living together for six months while a social worker was monitoring the adoption. They divorced in late 1985 with Buss gaining sole custody of their son.[2]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jim Buss

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
James Hatten Buss (born November 9, 1959) is an American sports executive and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). As the second son of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss, he served as the team's executive vice president of basketball operations from 2013 to 2017, overseeing key personnel decisions during a transitional period for the franchise following his father's death. Buss remains a part-owner and alternate governor of the Lakers as of 2025, even amid the family's agreement to sell a majority stake in the team to businessman Mark Walter for a reported $10 billion valuation. Born in , Buss is the son of , a , investor, and eventual sports mogul who acquired the Lakers in 1979, and JoAnn Mueller Buss, to whom Jerry was married from 1952 until their divorce in 1972. He grew up alongside siblings including (the Lakers' president and controlling owner), Janie Buss, , and two half-brothers from his father's second marriage: Jesse Buss and Joey Buss. The family was immersed in sports culture, with Jerry Buss transforming the Lakers into a global brand synonymous with "Showtime" basketball and 10 NBA championships during his ownership from 1979 to 2013. Buss's early professional career reflected his father's diverse sports interests. In 1985, at age 25, he was appointed president of the Lazers, a Major League team owned by , a role he held through the franchise's final season in 1989. Following the Lazers' dissolution, Buss transitioned to training thoroughbred racehorses for approximately eight years, a pursuit that aligned with his father's own involvement in . In 1998, at 's invitation, he joined the Lakers' front office as an assistant to general manager , marking his entry into operations. Over the next 15 years, Buss rose through the ranks, contributing to scouting and player personnel decisions during the Lakers' Bryant-led championship era, including titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. Following Jerry Buss's death from cancer in January 2013, the elder Buss's estate plan positioned Jim to lead basketball operations while his sister Jeanie oversaw the business side, a division intended to leverage their respective strengths. As executive vice president of basketball operations, Jim Buss assumed greater authority, co-leading with Kupchak and making high-profile hires such as coaches in 2012 and in 2014, as well as pursuing free agents like in 2012. However, the period was marked by on-court struggles, including three consecutive seasons without playoffs from 2013 to 2016, amid criticism for draft picks, trades, and a perceived lack of aggressive rebuilding. Buss publicly set a three-to-four-year timeline in 2014 for returning the Lakers to championship contention, a benchmark the team met with LeBron James's signing in 2018—after his own tenure had ended. In February 2017, amid ongoing poor performance and internal tensions, Jeanie Buss exercised her authority as controlling owner to remove her brother from his executive role, along with general manager Mitch Kupchak, installing Magic Johnson as president of basketball operations. The move stemmed from Jeanie's assessment that the franchise required fresh leadership to regain competitiveness, though she maintained the family's collaborative ownership structure. Post-2017, Jim Buss has kept a lower profile, serving in a non-executive ownership capacity while the Lakers achieved a championship in 2020 under new management. In June 2025, the Buss family announced the sale of a majority interest in the Lakers to Mark Walter, the Los Angeles Dodgers' controlling owner, but confirmed that Jim Buss would retain his co-ownership stake alongside his siblings. The NBA approved the transaction in October 2025, preserving the family's minority involvement in the franchise Jerry Buss built into an NBA dynasty.

Early life

Family background

James Hatten Buss was born on November 9, 1959, in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of Jerry Buss, a chemist and real estate investor who later became the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and JoAnn Mueller, Jerry's first wife. Jerry Buss was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but raised in modest circumstances in Kemmerer, Wyoming, by his divorced mother, Jessie, after his father, Lydus, left the family when Jerry was an infant; these early hardships and strained family ties fueled Jerry's ambition and self-made success in business. Buss grew up alongside his siblings from his parents' marriage: older brother (born 1956), sister Jeanie (born 1961), and younger sister Janie. He also has younger half-siblings Jesse and Joey from his father's relationship with Karen Demel, as well as half-sister Marissa from another relationship. The family resided on the during Buss's upbringing, where he gained early exposure to his father's burgeoning business empire starting at age 20, when acquired the , the , and the Great Western Forum in 1979 for $67.5 million. Family dynamics were shaped by 's two marriages and multiple relationships, as well as his demanding work schedule, which often kept him distant from daily family life but instilled a strong emphasis on grooming his children for involvement in his business ventures.

Education and early interests

Jim Buss attended the (USC), where he majored in but ultimately dropped out without completing his degree. In college, Buss initially aspired to become a , a goal that aligned with his analytical approach to problem-solving and reflected a preference for structured, intellectual pursuits over the high-profile world of sports management. Despite early exposure to through his family's ownership stakes, Buss developed a strong personal interest in and during his youth, often joining his father, , at tournaments to analyze races and predict outcomes. Under his father's influence, Buss gradually shifted away from ambitions toward ventures within the family empire, marking the beginning of his transition into executive roles.

Professional career

Pre-Lakers ventures

Before entering the organization, Jim Buss pursued ventures in professional sports management and , drawing on his family's involvement in athletics. In 1985, at age 25, he was appointed president of the Los Angeles Lazers, an team in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) owned by his father, , succeeding his brother John Buss in the role. Under Jim Buss's leadership from 1985 to 1989, the team competed at The Forum but struggled financially, ultimately folding on June 5, 1989, amid the broader decline of the MISL, which ceased operations in 1992 due to mounting losses across franchises. Following the Lazers' dissolution, Buss shifted his focus to thoroughbred horse racing, a passion influenced by his family's interests and his brother Joey's training career. From the late through the 1990s, he spent nine years as a licensed trainer in , managing operations for horses under his banner, though without achieving major competitive successes. His training record included placements in graded stakes races but no headline victories, emphasizing hands-on business acumen in the niche equine industry over high-profile wins. During the 1990s transition period, Buss began informally learning basketball operations by shadowing his father and Lakers executives and over approximately a decade, compensating for his lack of formal experience in the sport. This apprenticeship, part of broader family grooming for future roles in sports management, honed his self-taught expertise in niche athletic enterprises before his formal entry into the Lakers in 1998.

Lakers executive tenure

Jim Buss joined the Los Angeles Lakers front office in 1998 as an assistant , reporting directly to Mitch . In this role, he assisted with scouting, player evaluations, and personnel matters, marking his initial involvement in NBA operations after prior ventures outside the league. Buss was promoted in 2005 to of Player Personnel, a position that expanded his influence over draft preparations, free agency, and trade negotiations, placing him second only to Kupchak in decision-making. Following the death of his father, Lakers owner , in February 2013, Jim Buss was elevated to Executive of Operations, overseeing all player personnel and coaching decisions while his sister managed the business operations. During his tenure, Buss played a key role in several high-profile coaching hires. In 2011, he helped select Mike Brown as head coach after the departure of Phil Jackson, emphasizing a defensive-oriented system to complement aging stars like Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The following year, amid Brown's firing after a 41-25 lockout-shortened season marred by injuries, Buss backed the hiring of , prioritizing an up-tempo offense suited to Steve Nash's arrival via trade. In 2014, after D'Antoni's resignation amid ongoing roster struggles, Buss and Kupchak conducted an extensive search that led to former Lakers player , chosen for his familiarity with the franchise and championship experience. By 2016, following Scott's dismissal after two losing seasons, Buss supported the hiring of , a promising assistant from the , to guide a youth-focused rebuild. Regarding general manager transitions, Buss maintained Kupchak in the role through multiple seasons despite external pressures, with no formal search initiated until the end of his own tenure. Buss's personnel decisions included notable draft selections and acquisitions. In the , the Lakers, under Buss's oversight, selected forward seventh overall, valuing his versatility and rebounding despite an immediate season-ending injury. The next year, with the second overall pick acquired via prior trades, they chose Ohio State guard , seen as a high-upside to anchor the backcourt. On the trade and free agency front, Buss approved the 2014 signing of to a four-year, $72 million contract, aiming to add veteran wing defense and leadership. In 2015, he facilitated the acquisition of center on a four-year, $64 million deal, targeting rim protection and playoff experience following the Cavaliers' run. Earlier, Buss had advocated retaining center despite his injury history and immaturity, rejecting trade proposals—including one for in 2011—to build around his potential as a franchise . The Lakers achieved two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 during the early phase of Buss's executive involvement, though these successes were primarily under his father's leadership and prior front-office stability. From 2013 to 2017, however, the team missed the each season amid Bryant's injury-plagued decline, failed roster rebuilds, and a combined 91-237 regular-season record, culminating in a 17-65 finish in 2015-16. These years highlighted challenges in transitioning from contention to reconstruction, with cap constraints and free agency misses exacerbating the downturn. Buss maintained a close professional relationship with Kobe Bryant, collaborating on personnel strategies during Bryant's peak years, though tensions arose over specific roster moves, such as the 2012 hiring of D'Antoni, which Bryant publicly opposed in favor of Jackson's return. Buss later expressed that any direct criticism from Bryant would have deeply affected him, underscoring their mutual respect despite occasional strategic disagreements. Throughout his rise, Buss faced perceptions of nepotism due to his family ties, though he emphasized earning his roles through hands-on experience in player evaluation and operations.

Departure from the Lakers

In February 2017, Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers' controlling owner and Jim Buss's sister, fired him from his role as executive vice president of basketball operations, along with longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak. The move was part of a broader restructuring, with Earvin "Magic" Johnson appointed as president of basketball operations and Rob Pelinka as general manager. The decision stemmed from the team's dismal performance during Jim Buss's tenure in charge of basketball operations, including four consecutive playoff misses with records of 27–55 in 2013–14, 21–61 in 2014–15, 17–65 in 2015–16, and 26–56 in 2016–17. This period followed the death of their father, , in 2013, which intensified a family power struggle over control of the franchise; Jeanie Buss later described the erosion of trust in the basketball operations as a key factor, stating she could no longer tolerate the decline after giving her brother multiple chances to turn things around. In the immediate aftermath, Jim Buss stepped away from all daily operations and with the Lakers, though he retained his minority stake through the family trust. He transitioned to an inactive status with no involvement in team affairs, offering only limited public comments on the franchise thereafter. From 2017 to 2024, Buss maintained a low profile, directing his attention to personal investments and his longstanding interests in thoroughbred horse racing, without pursuing any return to sports executive positions.

Lakers ownership involvement

Inheritance and co-ownership

Following the death of his father, , on February 18, 2013, Jim Buss inherited an equal share of the family's 66% controlling interest in the , distributed through four family trusts among Jerry's six children: Jim, Jeanie, Johnny, Janie, Jesse, and Joey. Each sibling received an 11% stake, structured to maintain family unity and prevent individual sales of portions of the ownership. Prior to Jerry Buss's passing, he had groomed Jim specifically for oversight of basketball operations, in contrast to Jeanie Buss's preparation for the business side of the franchise. After his removal from executive duties in 2017 amid family tensions, Jim Buss transitioned to a passive co-ownership role, retaining his stake without any input into or operational decisions. As a co-owner, he continues to benefit from the franchise's substantial revenue streams, with the Lakers valued at $10 billion as of 2025. The family's trust structure governs ownership matters, requiring majority approval from the six siblings for significant decisions, such as major transactions or changes in control. Jim Buss holds full voting rights alongside his siblings in these ownership-related votes, ensuring his continued influence in high-level family despite his lack of involvement in daily or strategic franchise operations.

Role in the 2025 franchise sale

In June 2025, the Buss family announced an agreement to sell majority control of the to , the majority owner of the , in a transaction valuing the franchise at $10 billion. As one of the six equal shareholders in the family trust established by his late father , Jim Buss participated in the decision-making process alongside his siblings, including Jeanie, Janie, , Joey, and Jesse. The sale required a majority vote among the siblings, which was achieved without any reported public dissent from Jim, marking a collective family approval to divest control after decades of ownership. The motivations for the sale centered on and fostering family unity following prior internal disputes over franchise management. Under the terms of Jerry Buss's trust, proceeds from the transaction are to be distributed equally among the six siblings, providing each with a substantial financial windfall while retaining a minority stake in the team. will continue as the team's and minority owner, overseeing operations, but the deal effectively ends the family's majority control that began with the 1979 purchase. On October 30, 2025, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale, finalizing the transfer and concluding the 46-year Buss era of dominance in Lakers ownership. Post-sale, Jim Buss retains his minority ownership share, approximately 2.5% of the franchise based on the family's collective 15% holding, positioning him for ongoing without operational involvement.

Public perception

Media image and personality

Jim Buss has long been characterized as an introverted and private individual, preferring to avoid the media spotlight in contrast to his more outgoing father, Jerry Buss. He is described as shy in social situations and analytical in his approach, often speaking in a matter-of-fact manner without drama or self-aggrandizement. This low-key demeanor positions him as a behind-the-scenes figure in the Lakers organization, where he apprenticed under mentors like Jerry West, learning the intricacies of basketball operations away from public attention. Buss himself has emphasized that he does not seek fame, focusing instead on substantive work rather than personal acclaim. In media portrayals, Buss is frequently noted for his casual and unpolished style, often appearing in a and relaxed attire that underscores his unpretentious personality. A prominent 2015 profile titled "Being Jim Buss" highlighted his retreats to as a personal sanctuary, where he escapes the pressures of his role among trusted Lakers supporters, and critiqued the "bullying culture" within sports media that he believes unfairly targets executives. This piece portrayed him as resilient yet reserved, emphasizing his preference for quiet reflection over confrontation. Following his departure from the Lakers' executive role in 2017, Buss maintained an even lower public profile, with rare interviews centered on personal reflection rather than professional defense. His media image has occasionally included labels of due to his family ties to the franchise, though he has consistently downplayed such perceptions in favor of highlighting his earned experience. Overall, Buss's persona remains one of quiet competence, shaped by a deliberate choice to prioritize privacy amid high-stakes visibility.

Criticisms and controversies

Jim Buss faced widespread accusations of throughout his tenure as the Lakers' executive vice president of operations, with critics portraying him as an unqualified "trust fund baby" who ascended to power primarily through his familial connection to the franchise's late owner, . These perceptions were amplified by high-profile figures in the NBA community, who questioned his acumen and suggested his role undermined the organization's success. In January 2014, Lakers legend publicly urged Buss to step back from day-to-day decision-making, stating that Buss needed to "get his ego out of it and let someone help him run the department," implying he was overreaching without sufficient expertise. Buss's coaching decisions drew significant backlash, particularly his refusal to hire in 2012 following the firing of Mike Brown just five games into the season. Instead, Buss opted for , a choice that Lakers president described as a profound "betrayal," leaving her "stunned" and "devastated" since Jackson, her then-fiancé, had prepared extensively for the role without actively seeking it. This decision was seen as emblematic of Buss's aversion to the that Jackson championed, favoring D'Antoni's up-tempo style despite the roster's ill fit and D'Antoni's recent knee surgery recovery; D'Antoni resigned after two seasons amid ongoing struggles. Critics, including Johnson, repeatedly highlighted this snub as a pivotal error that alienated talent and stalled the team's momentum post-Jackson era. Roster management under Buss was lambasted for poor strategic choices, such as overvaluing center as the franchise's future cornerstone, which caused reluctance in pursuing trades for stars like during the 2011–12 season, though the Lakers ultimately traded Bynum to acquire in August 2012; the plan faltered as Howard departed after one season, contributing to prolonged mediocrity. Former Lakers assistant Brian Shaw later revealed that Buss envisioned building around Bynum, a plan that faltered due to Bynum's injury and immaturity. These missteps extended to failed rebuild efforts from 2014 to 2016, including ill-advised contracts for and , which hampered cap flexibility and draft positioning; during Buss's tenure, the Lakers entered a six-season playoff drought (2013–14 to 2018–19)—the longest in franchise —that was substantially attributed to decisions made under his oversight. The 2017 ouster of Buss from his executive role exposed deep family tensions, culminating in a power struggle where he and brother Johnny attempted a boardroom coup to remove Jeanie Buss as controlling owner and president. Jeanie successfully thwarted the effort through legal action, resulting in Jim's removal as co-trustee of the family trusts holding the Lakers' majority stake; this intra-family conflict, rooted in differing visions for the franchise, further eroded trust and public confidence in Buss's leadership. Revelations in Jeanie's 2013 memoir Laker Girl underscored ongoing trust issues, detailing her sense of betrayal over basketball decisions and foreshadowing the 2017 rift, which highlighted Jim's isolation within the organization. Collectively, these controversies were blamed for accelerating the Lakers' decline in the post-Kobe Bryant era, with fan and media backlash intensifying from 2013 to 2017 over the team's regression from perennial contenders to lottery dwellers, culminating in Buss's February 2017 dismissal by Jeanie amid the franchise's worst stretch in decades.

Personal life

Immediate family

Jim Buss was previously married, with the union beginning in 1983 and ending in in late 1985; details surrounding the marriage and his former remain private, and he has not been publicly linked to any high-profile partners since the separation. As of 2025, Buss has no current and no reported public romantic relationships. Buss has one child, a son named Jager, whom he adopted with his then-wife shortly before their separation; following the , Buss obtained and raised Jager as a , though limited public information exists regarding his specific parenting role or Jager's current life. Buss shares a close adult relationship with his sister , marked by familial bonds that predated professional tensions around 2017, after which they reportedly reconciled on a personal level amid ongoing family interactions. He maintains connections with his other full siblings, including brother and sister Janie, though these dynamics have occasionally been influenced by shared family experiences. In addition to his full siblings from his parents' , Buss has two half-siblings, Joey and Jesse, born to his father from a later long-term relationship with Karen ; the family's blended structure, shaped by 's high-profile lifestyle involving multiple romantic partnerships after his 1972 from JoAnn Mueller, presented challenges in navigating extended familial ties.

Interests and lifestyle

Jim Buss has maintained a lifelong passion for , rooted in his early exposure to the sport through family outings to tracks like Del Mar. He spent nine years as a licensed trainer in , achieving multiple graded stakes placements during his career. Although his professional focus shifted to operations, he has expressed ongoing enthusiasm for the industry, with family members like his Janie continuing active involvement through ownership of racing stables post-2017. Buss shares his father's affinity for poker, a high-stakes pursuit that approached with calculated risk, influencing the family's decision-making style. Jim himself has participated in poker tournaments, registering small cashes totaling $1,040 across two events under the name James Buss from Dana Point. This modest involvement reflects a recreational interest rather than professional play. For relaxation, Buss favors low-key travel escapes, notably viewing Oahu, , as a personal sanctuary for reflection away from professional pressures—a rare 2015 trip marked his first such outing with Lakers associates in eight years. He maintains a private lifestyle, eschewing the Hollywood social scene in favor of quiet family time. Buss resides in the Los Angeles-area community of Dana Point, where he has owned multiple ocean-view properties. As of 2025, no major health issues have been reported for him amid the family's franchise transitions. His philanthropic efforts remain minimal and not publicly prominent, prioritizing personal and family pursuits over high-profile causes.

References

  1. https://basketball.realgm.com/staff/Jim-Buss/Summary/951
  2. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8959319/los-angeles-lakers-owner-jerry-buss-had-vision-unlike-other
  3. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19104767/lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-shares-details-decision-family-franchise
  4. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45539931/buss-family-agrees-sell-lakers-mark-walter-sources-say
  5. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2019-12-16/joann-buss-former-wife-of-legendary-lakers-owner-jerry-buss-dies
  6. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8959182/jerry-buss-los-angeles-lakers-owner-dies-80
  7. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-08-23-sp-24529-story.html
  8. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18734024
  9. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/9711874/jeanie-buss-book-mike-dantoni-hire-los-angeles-lakers-betrayal
  10. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-joey-buss-20160320-story.html
  11. https://www.hoopshype.com/rumors/?topic=fcdc19da-3707-481e-aa42-057b0ae425bd
  12. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2025-10-30/nba-approves-buss-family-sale-of-lakers-to-dodgers-majority-owner-mark-walter
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/sports/basketball/jerry-buss-longtime-lakers-owner-is-dead-at-80.html
  14. https://www.latimes.com/la-mag-may032009-goodsport-story.html
  15. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/kobe-less-lakers-era-begins-with-jerry-buss-kids-still-looking-for-a-road-back-to-the-glory-days-2/
  16. https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9660465/jim-buss-comes-los-angeles-lakers
  17. https://www.ocregister.com/2012/10/20/lakers-jim-buss-isnt-who-you-think-he-is/
  18. https://funwhileitlasted.net/2013/01/20/1982-1989-los-angeles-lazers/
  19. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-22-sp-3120-story.html
  20. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/277692/from-hardwood-to-turf-buss-looks-to-keep-winning
  21. https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=People&searchType=T&eID=22326&rbt=TB
  22. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-07-sp-30205-story.html
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-aug-24-sp-buss24-story.html
  24. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2015/10/19/jim-buss-lakers-jerry-west-kobe-bryant-magic-johnson-jeanie-buss/73989030/
  25. https://www.nba.com/lakers/news/110531lakers_hire_mikebrown.html
  26. https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8622773/mike-dantoni-hired-next-coach-los-angeles-lakers
  27. https://www.si.com/nba/2014/07/29/ap-bkn-lakers-scott
  28. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-luke-walton-20160430-story.html
  29. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-buss-transactions-20170221-story.html
  30. https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/13149971/los-angeles-lakers-select-dangelo-russell-no-2-pick-2015-nba-draft
  31. https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/02/08/carmelo-anthony-for-andrew-bynum-trade-proposal-turned-down-by-lakers-jim-buss-son-of-owner/
  32. https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/onsi/news/lakers-comparing-the-jeanie-buss-and-jim-buss-eras-ee21
  33. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/buss-family-made-lakers-hollywood-100000281.html
  34. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/576469/2020/09/26/landing-lebron-how-jeanie-buss-became-the-mother-of-dragons-with-an-assist-from-kobe-and-spawned-a-new-lakers-golden-era/
  35. https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2014/2/14/5396796/why-are-we-separating-jim-buss-from-mitch-kupchak
  36. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/sam-amick/2017/02/21/why-lakers-jeanie-buss-fired-jim-buss-mitch-kupchak/98223130/
  37. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18840779/the-story-los-angeles-lakers-owner-jeanie-buss-tough-decision
  38. https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/onsi/news/jeanie-buss-explains-decision-to-can-jim-buss-ak1987
  39. http://www.laalmanac.com/sports/sp12b.php
  40. https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/11/8/22764082/jeanie-buss-jim-mitch-kupchak-fired-magic-johnson-rob-pelinka-trade-deadline-demarcus-cousins
  41. https://slamonline.com/archives/jeanie-buss-apologizes-taking-long-fire-jim-buss/
  42. https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-lakers-buss-documents-20170304-story.html
  43. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-mar-08-sp-horse8-story.html
  44. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18822531/faq-lakers-buss-family-drama
  45. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-johnny-buss-20170618-story.html
  46. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2648618-a-family-divided-unrest-growing-in-buss-family-as-lakers-struggle-to-rebuild
  47. https://www.dorfonlaw.org/2017/03/trust-bussd.html
  48. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-kupchak-buss-20170221-story.html
  49. https://www.boston.com/sports/nba/2017/03/27/agreement-puts-jeanie-buss-in-control-of-lakers-for-life/
  50. https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/10/30/nba-approves-10-billion-lakers-sale-to-dodgers-owner-mark-walter/
  51. https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2025/6/18/24452001/lakers-buss-family-sell-mark-walter-family-siblings-jeanie-jim
  52. https://thursdaytimes.com/2025/06/25/sports/the-lakers-the-legacy-and-the-house-that-buss-built/
  53. https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/nba-breaking-down-buss-familys-sale-la-lakers-10-billion-valuation-2025-06-19/
  54. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/why-did-jeanie-buss-family-sell-lakers-mark-walter/4a9225b2264e1cf9dc1dc8b6
  55. https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/los-angeles-lakers/2025/06/19/6853749b22601dac348b45fb.html
  56. https://www.nba.com/news/nba-approves-sale-majority-interest-lakers-mark-walter
  57. https://deadline.com/2025/10/lakers-sold-buss-family-1236437147/
  58. https://nypost.com/2015/10/20/jim-buss-slams-magic-as-clock-ticks-down-on-his-lakers-reign/
  59. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/lakers-owners-jeanie-jim-buss-604909/
  60. https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/magic-johnson-says-jim-buss-ego-running-lakers-181506993--nba.html
  61. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-jeanie-buss-20130922-story.html
  62. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14973195/phil-jackson-feels-sense-urgency-knicks
  63. https://www.espn.com/nba/trade/news/story?id=8350047
  64. https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/brian-shaw-revealed-jim-buss-wanted-the-los-angeles-lakers-to-be-andrew-bynums-team
  65. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/
  66. https://www.talkbasket.net/153930-longtime-nba-exec-knew-lakers-would-collapse-after-passing-of-jerry-buss-management-change
  67. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18816027/los-angeles-lakers-jeanie-buss-thwarts-coup-attempt-brothers-johnny-buss-jim-buss
  68. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jeanie-buss-jim-buss_n_3989653
  69. https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/jeanie-buss-family/
  70. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-buss-kids-20170303-story.html
  71. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2015/10/22/jim-buss-lakers-chris-paul-mitch-kupchak-kobe-bryant-jeanie-buss/74293828/
  72. https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-players/164161-james-buss
  73. https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-jim-buss-dana-point-20170125-story.html
  74. https://www.reuters.com/sports/end-an-era-buss-familys-lasting-legacy-with-la-lakers-2025-06-19/
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