Jerry Buss was an American businessman and investor who is best known for his ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1933 and attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry.

Buss began his career in the NBA in 1979 when he purchased the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, and the Forum arena in Inglewood, California. He quickly established himself as one of the most successful owners in the league, leading the Lakers to nine NBA championships during his tenure. He also helped to create the modern NBA, introducing a number of innovations such as the Showtime offense and the three-point shot.

Buss was also a major influence in the development of the WNBA, helping to create the league in 1997. He was also a major supporter of women’s basketball, helping to fund the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL).

Buss was a pioneer in the sports business world, and his legacy will live on for many years to come. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, and his impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. He was a visionary who helped to shape the modern NBA, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

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