Jim Buss is a former executive vice president of the basketball operation of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jim Buss is the son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Table of Biography
Early life
On November 9, 1959, James Hatten Buss aka Jim Buss was born in Los Angeles, California. Likewise, he is 62 years old. He was born to his father Jerry Buss and Joann Mueller. His father was a businessman, Chemist, investor, and philanthropist. Also, he owned a basketball team Los Angeles Lakers.
He has siblings named Jeanie, Janie, and half-siblings Joey and Jesse. His parents divorced in the year 2012. Later in 2013, his father aka Jerry Buss died due to kidney failure. Later, Laker’s controlling ownership was passed on to his 6 children with equal interest. Additionally, he attended the University of Southern California. Later, he dropped college and spent his youth at the race track.
Career
Previously, Jim Buss invested in a small business with his best friend. In 1988, his friend’s death due to a car accident sadly left him devastated and lost. Soon, in 1985, he became president of his father’s indoor soccer team, the Los Angeles Lazers. He got the position after his brother, Johnny, quit his position.
Therefore, he brought annual losses down from $1 million to $500,000. Unfortunately, in 1989, the team folded. Moving on, he became a horse trainer after receiving half-dozen thoroughbreds owned by his father.
During 1997, he divested himself of his horse racing stock which was increasingly unprofitable. Later, he was encouraged by his father to join the Lakers. His father acquired it in 1979 and built it into one of the most profitable and popular franchises in the world of sports.
Similarly, in 1988, he started working with the Lakers as an apprentice to Jerry West Laker’s general manager and assistant, Mitch Kupchak. Moving on, he proceeded to learn the basketball business from his father. And, also learned from West and then Mitch Kupchak, who became general manager in 2000.
Caption: Jim Buss’s team Lakers during the match. Source: Instagram
More about career
Later, he was promoted by the organization to vice president of player personnel, in 2005. But his fathers’ original plan was to have Buss handle the basketball decision. And, plan for his sister Jeanie to become the vice president of the business operations of the Lakers. Thus, he was an influential advocate of selecting a high school athlete Andrew Bynum, during the 2005 NBA.
According to the sources, he has stated that he indeed fell in love with Bynum five minutes after watching his workout. Besides, he was also associated with rehiring Phil Jackson as Los Angeles Lakers coach. At their welcome-back news conference of Jackson, he was the only family member present. Unfortunately, he stuck with Andrew Bynum as he struggled with his injuries and immature nature. In addition, he opposed demands from Kobe Bryant about trading Bynum. As Jackson’s replacement after his retirement, the Lakers association appointed Brian Shaw.
Without consulting Kobe Bryant, the Laker’s star player, he hired mike Brown instead of Shaw. Thus, Shaw atypically criticized Jim in a radio interview. It was because of his treatment during the hiring cycle. Assistant General Manager, Ronnie Lester mention that her contract was not renewed by the organization after 24 years of working. She also stated how great organizations don’t treat their personnel like they did.
Career highlights
Therefore, CBSSports.com wrote that NBA administrators are typically discreet. Thus, also Lester’s public criticism showed how strongly he felt the Lakers were in the wrong. Further, it was mentioned by Stephen A. Smith that Kobe Bryant was furious with Jim and his hiring decision. Hence, he feared the season would get canceled because of that. He also stated “they had to do what they had to do. It’s not fun, and there’s no question about that.”
The lockout ended, preceding the start of the 2011–12 NBA season, during the winter of 2011. Likewise, he agreed to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. However, David Stern, the NBA commissioner prevented the trade from happening. Also, the Lakers obtained Steve Nash while trading Bynum for Dwight Howard, during the next NBA season.
Hence, everybody presumed that the Lakers would become the title contenders with their $100 million payrolls. After five games were the third-fastest coaching change in NBA history, he release. The Lakers decided against re-hiring Jackson, in a collective decision by him, his father, and Mitch Kupchak. Later on, they signed Mike D’Antoni as the Lakers coach instead.
Personal life
Jim Buss has not revealed any details related to his personal life. But according to the sources, he was married in 1983 and got divorced after a few months. Together, they adopted a son named Jager Buss. In 1985, they finally got divorced and he won the sole custody of their son, Additionally, he has 2 daughters named Micaela Buss and Milahna Buss.
Body measurement and Social media
Jim Buss is very tall and stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and his weight is not known. Hence, he has dark brown pairs of eyes and grey hair color. According to the sources, he is quite inactive on social media platforms.
Source: Mask
