{{Short description|American basketball executive}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{pp-pc}} {{Infobox person | name = Jim Buss | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = James Hatten Buss | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1959|11|9}} | birth_place = Los Angeles County, California,{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} U.S. | other_names = | occupation = Part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers | known_for = | parents = Gerald Buss }}
'''James Hatten Buss''' (born November 9, 1959)<ref name=2011mg>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Lakers 2011–12 Media Guide|page=11|publisher=Los Angeles Lakers|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/flipbuilderhires/1112mediaguide.html|access-date=February 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122023202/http://www.nba.com/lakers/flipbuilderhires/1112mediaguide.html|archive-date=January 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.
==Early life== 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.<ref name=lidz/>
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 {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m}}, Buss attended jockey school when he was 20.{{#tag:ref|Jockeys typically stand around {{convert|4|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}} to {{convert|5|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="weight1">{{cite web|work=Animal Planet|url=http://animal.discovery.com/tv/jockeys/horse-racing/jockeys-101/general-facts.html|title=General Jockey Facts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008170040/http://animal.discovery.com/tv/jockeys/horse-racing/jockeys-101/general-facts.html|archive-date=October 8, 2012}}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}}<ref name=lidz>{{cite news |last=Lidz |first=Franz |title=She's Got Balls |date=November 2, 1998 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url= https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/11/02/shes-got-balls-will-jeanie-buss-daughter-of-lakers-owner-jerry-buss-be-the-next-to-rule-her-fathers-sports-kingdom-or-will-one-of-her-brothers-rise-to-power-a-fractured-family-fable |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310205818/https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/11/02/shes-got-balls-will-jeanie-buss-daughter-of-lakers-owner-jerry-buss-be-the-next-to-rule-her-fathers-sports-kingdom-or-will-one-of-her-brothers-rise-to-power-a-fractured-family-fable |archive-date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref>
==Professional career== 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.<ref name=shelburne_09112013/> 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.<ref name=lidz/><ref name=siler>{{cite news|last=Siler|first=Ross|title=Meet The New Buss Jerry's Son, Jim, Is Carving His Own Niche As Heir To Lakers Empire|date=August 24, 2005|newspaper=Daily News|location=Los Angeles|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-135439323.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611021849/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-135439323.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 11, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2013}}{{subscription required}}</ref> 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.<ref name=lidz/> 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.<ref name=lidz/><ref name=shelburne_09112013/>
Buss started with the Lakers in 1998 as an apprentice to general manager Jerry West and his assistant, Mitch Kupchak.<ref name=2011mg/><ref>{{cite news|last=Springer |first=Steve |title=Buss—The Next Generation |date=November 24, 2002 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-nov-24-tm-buss47-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809120836/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-nov-24-tm-buss47-story.html |archive-date=August 9, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> During an interview with ''Sports Illustrated'' for its November 1998 issue,<ref name=siler/> 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."<ref name=lidz/> 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.<ref name=siler/>
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.<ref name=shelburne_09112013/> 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.<ref name=bresnahan_03122012>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan|first=Mike|title=Lakers' Mitch Kupchak: Jim Buss deserves more credit, less criticism|date=March 12, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-mar-12-la-sp-lakers-mitch-kupchak-20120313-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name=truth>{{cite news|title=NBA Truth & Rumors: May 12, 2005|date=May 13, 2005|work=SI.com|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/05/13/truth.rumors.nba/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407234126/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/05/13/truth.rumors.nba/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name=truth/><ref>{{cite book |last=Lazenby |first=Roland |author-link=Roland Lazenby |title=The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It |page=436|year=2006 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional |location=New York, New York |isbn=978-0-07-143034-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HiH8z6EmSIsC&q=the%20show%20roland%20lazenby&pg=PP1 |ref=lazenby2006 |access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> In 2005, Buss was promoted to vice president of player personnel.<ref name=ding>{{cite news|last=Ding |first=Kevin |title=Jim Buss in 2005: 'Eventually, my dad retires' |date=May 26, 2011 |newspaper=Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/26/jim-buss-in-2005-eventually-my-dad-retires/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420152820/https://www.ocregister.com/2011/05/26/jim-buss-in-2005-eventually-my-dad-retires/ |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=siler/>
[[File:Andrew Bynum.jpg|thumb|upright|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.<ref name=bresnahan_03122012/><ref name=heisler_05262011>{{cite news|last=Heisler|first=Mark|title=Hoping to strike oil, Lakers' Jim Buss just strikes out in hiring of Mike Brown|date=May 26, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-may-26-la-sp-heisler-jim-buss-20110527-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name=cooper_11102013>{{cite news|last=Howard-Cooper |first=Scott |title=Jim Buss back Under Microscope |date=November 10, 2013 |work=NBA.com |url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/11/10/jim-buss-back-under-the-microscope/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414163657/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/11/10/jim-buss-back-under-the-microscope/ |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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".<ref name=siler/> Buss stuck with Bynum as he struggled with immaturity and injuries, and he withstood demands from Bryant that Bynum be traded.<ref name=cooper_11102013/>
After Jackson retired in 2011, Buss told coaching candidates Brian Shaw and Mike Brown that Bynum needed to receive the ball inside.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Lakers will look to center Andrew Bynum right away |date=December 30, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-dec-30-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20111231-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616224156/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-dec-30-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20111231-story.html |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shaw was passed over as Jackson's replacement although the Lakers assistant was openly supported by players.<ref name=cooper_11102013/> Buss instead hired Brown without consulting their star player, Kobe Bryant.<ref>{{cite news|last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=Lakers VP thinks Andrew Bynum is untouchable? |date=May 26, 2011 |work=CBS Sports|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/29591605 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022012107/http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/29591605 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 22, 2013 }}</ref> He later said it was a mistake to not involve Bryant.<ref name=mcmenamin_04182012/> 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.<ref name=thomsen_11012011/> The well-respected Shaw atypically criticized Buss in a radio interview over his treatment during the hiring cycle.<ref name=golliver_07242011>{{cite news|last=Golliver |first=Ben |title=Former exec Ronnie Lester blasts Lakers, Jim Buss |date=July 24, 2011 |work=CBS Sports|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/30831874 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140120011237/http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/30831874 |archive-date=January 20, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=bucher_08142013/> 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."<ref>{{cite news|last=Turner |first=Broderick |title=Ronnie Lester speaks out as Lakers cut longtime employees |date=July 22, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-jul-22-la-sp-lakers-layoffs-20110723-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317200916/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-jul-22-la-sp-lakers-layoffs-20110723-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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".<ref name=golliver_07242011/> 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."<ref name=mcmenamin_04182012>{{cite news|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Q&A with Jim Buss, Part 1 |date=April 18, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/29515/qa-with-jim-buss-part-1|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304103321/https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/29515/qa-with-jim-buss-part-1 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> The lockout ended in the winter of 2011.<ref name=deveney/>
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.<ref name=deveney>{{cite news|last=Deveney |first=Sean |title=Jim Buss and the Lakers, still paying for Chris Paul |date=August 15, 2013 |work=Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/story/2013-08-15/jim-buss-lakers-news-dwight-howard-chris-paul-trade-clippers-hornets-david-stern |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626185125/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/story/2013-08-15/jim-buss-lakers-news-dwight-howard-chris-paul-trade-clippers-hornets-david-stern |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> That season, Brown expanded Bynum's role.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cherner|first=Reid|title=Phil Jackson talks Jim Buss, Andrew Bynum and the Lakers|date=June 19, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/06/phil-jackson-talks-to-hbo-about-jim-buss-andrew-bynum-and-the-lakers/1#.YmArpSjMLIU|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> The next season, the Lakers acquired Steve Nash and upgraded at center, trading Bynum for Dwight Howard.<ref name=heisler_05262011/> The acquisition of Howard appeared to be the start of a new dynasty for the Lakers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Freeman |first=Eric |title=After losing Dwight Howard, how do the Los Angeles Lakers recover? |date=July 5, 2013 |work=Yahoo |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/losing-dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-recover-010029455.html?a20=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420155144/https://sports.yahoo.com/losing-dwight-howard-los-angeles-lakers-recover-010029455.html?a20=1 |archive-date=April 20, 2022|url-status=live }}</ref> With their $100 million payroll, the Lakers were expected to be title contenders.<ref name=shelburne_09112013>{{cite news|last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=The time has come for Jim Buss |date=September 11, 2013 |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9660465/jim-buss-comes-los-angeles-lakers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317182924/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9660465/jim-buss-comes-los-angeles-lakers |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> Instead, Brown was fired after a 1–4 start;<ref name=heisler_05262011/> his dismissal after five games was the third-fastest coaching change in NBA history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stein |first1=Marc |last2=Shelburne |first2=Ramona |title=Sources: Lakers rebuff trade talks |date=December 6, 2012 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8719587/los-angeles-lakers-rebuffing-trade-inquiries-pau-gasol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413081152/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8719587/los-angeles-lakers-rebuffing-trade-inquiries-pau-gasol |archive-date=April 13, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a unanimous decision by Buss, his father, and Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers decided against re-hiring Jackson and signed Mike D'Antoni instead.<ref>{{cite news|last=Simers |first=T. J. |title=It's unanimous: Lakers' selection of Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson is wrong |date=November 13, 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-nov-13-la-sp-simers-lakers-20121113-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420162933/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-nov-13-la-sp-simers-lakers-20121113-story.html |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Kupchak: If Phil Jackson hadn't hesitated he might be Lakers coach |date=November 13, 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-nov-13-la-sp-lakers-kupchak-20121114-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225104808/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-nov-13-la-sp-lakers-kupchak-20121114-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022|archive-date=December 25, 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref name=cooper_11102013/> Buss, however, said his father continued to be "involved in every decision" in the final months of his life, and he chose D'Antoni.<ref name=shelburne_09112013/> 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."<ref name=thomsen_11012011/> 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."<ref name=shelburne_09112013/>
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.<ref name=bresnahn_04192014>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Buss family faces crucial moment with the Lakers |date=April 19, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-buss-family-20140420-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418004419/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-buss-family-20140420-story.html |archive-date=April 18, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name=markazi_02182013>{{cite news|last=Markazi |first=Arash |title=Buss family won't sell Lakers |date=February 18, 2013 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8960441/family-jerry-buss-maintain-los-angeles-lakers-ownership |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121022221/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8960441/family-jerry-buss-maintain-los-angeles-lakers-ownership|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bresnahan_02192013>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Lakers expected to remain a Buss family-owned team |date=February 19, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2013-feb-19-la-sp-lakers-ownership-20130219-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407151453/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2013-feb-19-la-sp-lakers-ownership-20130219-story.html|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Jerry Buss' family will honor his wishes and keep Lakers |date=February 18, 2013 |newspaper=Daily News |location=Los Angeles |url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2013/02/18/jerry-buss-family-will-honor-his-wishes-and-keep-lakers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420165524/https://www.dailybreeze.com/2013/02/18/jerry-buss-family-will-honor-his-wishes-and-keep-lakers/ |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref name=markazi_02182013/><ref name="bresnahan_02192013"/> 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.<ref name=bucher_08142013/><ref name=deveney/> 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."<ref name=deveney/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakers 2013–14 Media Guide |year=2013 |publisher=Los Angeles Lakers |page=7 |url=https://www.nba.com/.element/media/2.0/teamsites/lakers/images/multimedia/media_guide/2013_14_la_lakers_media_guide.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111055600/https://www.nba.com/.element/media/2.0/teamsites/lakers/images/multimedia/media_guide/2013_14_la_lakers_media_guide.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=bresnahan_03192014>{{cite news |last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Jeanie Buss explains Kobe Bryant's contract, Phil Jackson situation |date=March 19, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2014-mar-19-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20140320-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101082627/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2014-mar-19-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20140320-story.html |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> Former Lakers player and part owner Magic Johnson, who was also close to Buss' father,<ref>{{cite news|last=Moore |first=Matt |title=Magic Johnson criticizes Jim Buss for job running the Lakers |date=January 17, 2014 |work=CBS Sports|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/magic-johnson-criticizes-jim-buss-for-job-running-the-lakers/|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909041251/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/magic-johnson-criticizes-jim-buss-for-job-running-the-lakers/ |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> believed that Buss needed to put aside his ego and seek assistance to help the Lakers recruit against rival teams for free agent players.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shelbourne |first=Ramona |title=Magic: Lakers facing 'tough season' |date=October 30, 2013 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9900777/magic-johnson-says-los-angeles-lakers-face-tough-season |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030456/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9900777/magic-johnson-says-los-angeles-lakers-face-tough-season |archive-date=November 12, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=James |first=Mike |title=Magic Johnson says Lakers problems lie with Jim Buss |date=January 15, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-magic-johnson-lakers-20140115-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317135617/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-magic-johnson-lakers-20140115-story.html |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ding |first=Kevin |title=Does Magic Johnson Really Care About the Success of the Los Angeles Lakers? |date=January 16, 2014 |work=Bleacher Report|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1925511-does-magic-johnson-really-care-about-the-success-of-the-los-angeles-lakers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111173226/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1925511-does-magic-johnson-really-care-about-the-success-of-the-los-angeles-lakers|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2020|url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |title=Lakers lose not just a game but their dignity in rout by Clippers |date=March 6, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2014-mar-06-la-sp-lakers-clippers-plaschke-20140307-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914211235/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2014-mar-06-la-sp-lakers-clippers-plaschke-20140307-story.html|archive-date=September 14, 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=April 20, 2022 }}</ref>
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.<ref name=bresnahn_04192014/><ref>{{cite news|last=Pincus |first=Eric |title=Jeanie Buss says she will hold Jim Buss to three-year timeline |date=January 6, 2015 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-jeanie-buss-hold-jim-buss-timeline-20150106-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401124414/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-jeanie-buss-hold-jim-buss-timeline-20150106-story.html |archive-date=April 1, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bonsignore |first=Vincent |title=Lakers have bigger issue than coaching — Jim and Jeanie Buss |date=April 25, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2016/04/25/bonsignore-lakers-have-bigger-issue-than-coaching-jim-and-jeanie-buss/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220420175339/https://www.dailynews.com/2016/04/25/bonsignore-lakers-have-bigger-issue-than-coaching-jim-and-jeanie-buss/ |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Amick|first=Sam|title=Jeanie Buss unplugged: Lakers, Kobe, Phil and Byron|date=February 22, 2016|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2016/02/22/jeanie-buss-kobe-bryant-byron-scott-jim-buss-lakers/80710034/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416023756/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2016/02/22/jeanie-buss-kobe-bryant-byron-scott-jim-buss-lakers/80710034/|archive-date=April 16, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Matt|title=Examining Jim Buss' defense of his tenure with the Lakers|date=October 21, 2015|website=CBS Sports|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/examining-jim-buss-defense-of-his-tenure-with-the-lakers/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021215320/http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25348528/examining-jim-buss-defense-of-his-tenure-with-the-lakers|archive-date=October 21, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-kupchak-buss-20170221-story.html|title=Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, exec Jim Buss relieved of duties as Magic Johnson takes over basketball operations|newspaper=LA Times|date=February 21, 2017|access-date=February 21, 2017|first=Chuck|last=Schiliken}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-jim-jeanie-buss-trust-20170326-story.html|title=Buss family feud over Lakers appears to end with Jeanie removing brother Jim as a trustee|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Nathan|last=Fenno|date=March 27, 2017|access-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref>
==Public image== Buss is introverted and avoids the spotlight, and has never joined any on-court public ceremony for the Lakers.<ref name=shelburne_09112013/> He rarely spoke in public as a Lakers executive, while general manager Mitch Kupchak usually handled the speaking responsibilities regarding player personnel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dwyer |first=Kelly |title=Magic Johnson says Jim Buss has to 'get his ego out of' running the Lakers |date=January 16, 2014 |work=Yahoo|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/magic-johnson-says-jim-buss-ego-running-lakers-181506993--nba.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420175854/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/magic-johnson-says-jim-buss-ego-running-lakers-181506993--nba.html |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Simers |first=T. J. |title=Simers: Lakers' Buss has Georgia on his mind |date=January 8, 2014 |newspaper=Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/01/09/simers-lakers-buss-has-georgia-on-his-mind/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232541/https://www.ocregister.com/2014/01/09/simers-lakers-buss-has-georgia-on-his-mind/ |archive-date=August 14, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2022|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Elliot |first=Helene |title=Jim Buss calls Lakers 'the team to beat' in the West |date=March 23, 2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-mar-23-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120324-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420180610/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-mar-23-la-sp-lakers-fyi-20120324-story.html |archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref name=bucher_08142013>{{cite news|last=Bucher |first=Ric |title=L.A. Lakers Drama: Owners Jeanie and Jim Buss on Power-Sharing, Phil Jackson and Filling Dad's Shoes |date=August 14, 2013 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/lakers-owners-jeanie-jim-buss-604909/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013418/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lakers-owners-jeanie-jim-buss-604909 |archive-date=November 12, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref name=cooper_11102013/> During his interview for the position, Shaw said he had to defend Jackson when Buss spoke negatively of their former coach.<ref name=thomsen_11012011>{{cite news|last=Thomsen |first=Ian |title=The Bitter End: Shaw recounts shady fallout with Lakers' brass |date=November 1, 2011 |work=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/11/01/brian-shawlakers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229151135/https://www.si.com/more-sports/2011/11/01/brian-shawlakers |archive-date=December 29, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a May 2011 interview, Jackson said "there's really not a relationship" with him and Buss.<ref>{{cite news|last=McMenamin |first=Dave |title=Jim Buss talks Kobe, Phil Jackson |date=April 18, 2012 |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7827232/jim-buss-los-angeles-lakers-discusses-relationships-kobe-bryant-phil-jackson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226154657/https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7827232/jim-buss-los-angeles-lakers-discusses-relationships-kobe-bryant-phil-jackson |archive-date=December 26, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref name=bucher_08142013/> 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.<ref name=bucher_08142013/> 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."<ref>{{cite news|last=Harper |first=Zach |title=Phil Jackson has a consultant role with the Lakers right now |date=June 20, 2013 |work=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/phil-jackson-has-a-consultant-role-with-the-lakers-right-now/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420183406/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/phil-jackson-has-a-consultant-role-with-the-lakers-right-now/|archive-date=April 20, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kupchak confirmed that he had interacted with Jackson on unspecified team issues.<ref name=medina_06182013>{{cite news|last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Jeanie Buss says Phil Jackson has consultant role, denies family discord |date=June 18, 2013 |newspaper=Daily News |location=Los Angeles |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2013/06/19/la-lakers-jeanie-buss-says-phil-jackson-has-consultant-role-denies-family-discord/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513194305/https://www.dailynews.com/2013/06/19/la-lakers-jeanie-buss-says-phil-jackson-has-consultant-role-denies-family-discord/|access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Jackson did not envision a role on the team unless there was "some seismic shift" in the organization.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bresnahan |first=Mike |title=Phil Jackson doesn't see a return to the Lakers |date=January 18, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20131027-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410223712/https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20131027-story.html |archive-date=April 10, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2022|url-status=live }}</ref> Jeanie also said the Lakers were "in good hands" with Buss and Kupchak in their current roles.<ref name=medina_06182013/> ''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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ding |first=Kevin |title=Ding: Jump ball for Lakers' future ownership? |date=January 25, 2013 |newspaper=Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2013/01/25/ding-jump-ball-for-lakers-future-ownership/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524150543/https://www.ocregister.com/2013/01/25/ding-jump-ball-for-lakers-future-ownership/|archive-date=May 24, 2021|access-date=April 20, 2022|url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shelburne |first1=Ramona |first2=Chris |last2=Broussard |title=Phil Jackson signs with Knicks |date=March 14, 2014 |work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10607795/phil-jackson-deal-new-york-knicks-finalized |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407152239/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10607795/phil-jackson-deal-new-york-knicks-finalized|archive-date=April 7, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shelburne |first=Ramona |title=Phil Jackson's long goodbye to L.A. |date=March 14, 2014 |work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10600271/phil-jackson-long-la-goodbye |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407152256/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10600271/phil-jackson-long-la-goodbye |archive-date=April 7, 2022|access-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=bresnahan_03192014/><ref>{{cite news|title=Zen Era: Phil Jackson Introduced As Knicks President At MSG |date=March 18, 2014 |work=CBS New York|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/zen-era-begins-phil-jackson-set-for-knicks-introduction-at-msg/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420143309/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/zen-era-begins-phil-jackson-set-for-knicks-introduction-at-msg/ |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Personal life== 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.<ref name=lidz/>
==Notes== {{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Buss, Jim}} Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:Los Angeles Lakers executives Category:Los Angeles Lakers owners Category:Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences alumni Category:People from Los Angeles County, California Category:Buss family