How Much of the Lakers Does Jim Buss Own?

Jim Buss, as one of Jerry Buss’s six children and beneficiaries of the Buss Family Trust, owns an 11% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. This allocation of ownership shares, divided equally among the six children, reflects Jerry Buss’s succession plan for the team upon his passing.

Joining the Lakers as an apprentice to luminaries like Jerry West and Mitch Kupchak, Buss quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the vice president of basketball operations in 2005.

His tenure was marked by both triumphs and controversies, emblematic of the high-pressure environment of professional sports management.

One of Buss’s notable decisions was the drafting of Andrew Bynum in 2005, a move that demonstrated his eye for talent and willingness to take risks. However, his handling of coaching transitions, including the controversial hiring of Mike D’Antoni over Phil Jackson, drew criticism from fans and pundits alike.