Dr. Jerry Buss' Storied History as Lakers Owner -- and What's Next for the Team

Magic Johnson, Jerry Buss

Magic Johnson, left, in 1980, hurt Dr. Jerry Buss’ feelings by bashing his son’s leadership on TV in fall 2012: “I don’t believe in Jim Buss.”

Jerry Buss, Hugh Hefner

Dr. Buss, center, with Hugh Hefner and playmates in 2003, once owned a Playboy Club.

World Champs

Dr. Buss’ run with the Lakers included five championships in the ’80s, including a 1985 win over the Boston Celtics.

Jeanie Buss, Phil Jackson

Jeanie Buss and then Lakers head coach Phil Jackson began dating in 2000. Jackson has been fired, rehired then retired from the Lakers since they began dating, so there never has been a question about the relationship influencing Jackson’s standing. But that might be because everyone knew Dr. Buss never would allow it. “I have zero problem with Phil,” says Jim Buss.

Game Time

Kobe Bryant, left, with Derek Fisher and Dr. Buss during a pregame ceremony in 2010, before the owner fell ill.

Famous Fans

Jack Nicholson, left, with producer Robert Evans, has had season seats since 1970.

Lakers Dynasty

Jim and Jeanie Buss were photographed Aug. 8 in the office once occupied by their father at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, Calif.

Buss' Offspring

In their first profile since their father died in February, Jim and Jeanie Buss reveal their complicated relationship, awkward power-sharing and the plan to reboot a storied team. Said Kobe Bryant: "The shoes they’re stepping into are so huge and epic." Read more here.

Challenge Ahead

The challenge facing Jeanie, 51, and her 53-year-old brother Jim — along with four other Buss siblings who share a 66 percent controlling interest in the Lakers — is not merely to see the world as their father did but to act on that vision with equal success.