In the midst of a transition period and their second consecutive difficult season, much criticism has been placed on the shoulders of Jeanie and Jim Buss, and their handling of the Los Angeles Lakers’ franchise. Jim, who is in charge of the basketball operations side of the team, has been under constant scrutiny, which intensified with Phil Jackson joining the New York Knicks front office.
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Jackson’s heading to the East coast brought an end to any possibility that he would rejoin the Lakers and further fueled speculation it would drive a wedge between Jeanie and Jim, which may lead to the Buss family ultimately selling the team. However, in an interview with Bill Macdonald on Time Warner Cable SportsNet, Jeanie laid those rumors to rest, stating the franchise would remain in control of the family:
“The family’s going to own the team as long as the family is together” – Jeanie Buss (via @TWCSportsNet)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) March 19, 2014
Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and Forum in 1979 and since helped guide the team to become one of the most winning franchises is the history of sports. His plan of leaving his son and daughter to handle their respective has often been a source of frustration for Lakers fans, but the family appears intent on continuing to honor their father’s wishes.
Mentored by her father to run the business side of the franchise, Jeanie also called the Lakers “her life.”
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