Jeanie Buss, the esteemed president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away this morning at the age of 63. Her leadership and dedication were instrumental in guiding the Lakers to multiple NBA championships, including the historic 2020 title, where she became the first female controlling owner to lead a team to such a victory.
Born on September 26, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, Jeanie was the third of four children to Joann and Jerry Buss. She entered the family business at a young age, becoming the general manager of the Los Angeles Strings professional tennis team at 19. Her career spanned various roles, including president of the Great Western Forum and vice president of the Lakers, before ascending to the position of controlling owner and president after her father’s passing in 2013.
Under her stewardship, the Lakers not only achieved on-court success but also maintained their status as one of the most valuable franchises in sports. Beyond basketball, Jeanie was a co-owner and promoter of the U.S. women’s professional wrestling promotion Women of Wrestling (WOW), showcasing her diverse interests and commitment to elevating women’s roles in sports entertainment.
Jeanie’s passing marks the end of an era for the Lakers organization. Her visionary leadership, passion for the game, and unwavering commitment to the Lakers family have left an indelible mark on the NBA community. She is survived by her siblings and her husband, comedian Jay Mohr, whom she married in September 2023.
The Lakers organization and fans worldwide mourn the loss of a trailblazing leader whose impact on the sport will be remembered for generations.
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