The Los Angeles Lakers’ transition after the death of longtime owner Jerry Buss was defined by deep family conflict, according to a new account of the franchise’s post-Buss era.
Once viewed as the model of family ownership in professional sports, the Lakers became the center of resentment and dysfunction among members of the Buss family. The internal strain shaped the years that followed Jerry Buss’ tenure and contributed to a turbulent period for one of the NBA’s most recognizable organizations.
A Fractured Post-Buss Era
The reported infighting included personal hostility and disputes over control, with one cited remark — “You should’ve never been born” — underscoring the severity of the family divide. The conflict became a defining feature of the franchise’s ownership structure after Jerry Buss, whose leadership had long been associated with the Lakers’ championship identity.
The discord eventually preceded a major turning point: the sale of the Lakers for a reported $10 billion. The transaction marked the end of the most valuable family-owned franchise in the world, closing a chapter that began with Jerry Buss building the Lakers into one of basketball’s premier brands.
While the Lakers remain one of the NBA’s flagship teams, the sale represents a significant shift in the organization’s history. What had been a family-run empire for decades ultimately gave way after years marked by internal division and unresolved conflict.