Jeanie: The personable, sexy, and charming vice president of business operations for the L.A. Lakers. Sporting News magazine named her in 2005 one of the 20 most influential women in sports.
Jim: The not very camera friendly assistant general manager and current vice president of player personnel. But above everything else – the heir to the empire according to dad!
I’m personally disappointed that Jerry Buss has anointed his son as the one to take over when he is no longer around. That’s right! Jim Buss. The man whose biggest accomplishment to date is landing an injury prone Andrew Bynum.
We already know that he lacks the common sense to know when to keep his comments to himself. Flashback to 2007 when Jim Buss appeared on KLAC 570 AM and publicly criticized coach Phil Jackson for calling out players in the media.
It was a dumb move and a moment in which he revealed his immaturity to the L.A. fan base. Jeanie was quick to fire right back and publicly denounced her brother’s remarks and point out her disappointment.
So what about Jeanie?
Why not her as the next leader of the purple and gold?
She’s been the one to represent the team during past NBA drafts, owners meetings, and has had a wonderful relationship with the media and fans. Just earlier this year, Jeanie Buss recommended that the 2011 NBA All-Star game, being hosted at Staples Center this season, have a new twist! She suggested a very unique format that would have the voted players to be selected to one of two teams in the same fashion one would start up a pickup game!
It’s that type of forward thinking and innovation that the Lakers should have at the helm. Someone who is not only very business savvy, but is also very passionate and identifiable with the fans. (Not to mention a heck of a lot better looking that Jim!)
And what better first family of basketball to have than Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss at the helm? Wouldn’t that just make for the NBA’s biggest power couple?
Well whoever ends up leading the Lakers to future championships, we should hope they will be able to keep the peace and meet the challenges of family ownership.
If I do have one piece of advice for Jeanie or Jim it is this, take after their father – don’t bother with marriage!
Your dad may be a playboy, but rest assured this town isn’t losing their Lakers to a few nights with a chauffeur!
Just ask the “boys in blue”.
