Following the recent announcement of a statue for legendary coach Phil Jackson, the Los Angeles Lakers face a compelling argument to similarly honor the team's former owner, Dr. Jerry Buss. Buss, credited with transforming the Lakers into a global sports icon, has yet to receive this tribute, a move many believe is long overdue, especially given the franchise's current state of flux.
Buss purchased the Lakers, along with the NHL's Kings and the Forum, for $67.5 million in 1979. Under his ownership, the Lakers achieved unparalleled success, securing 10 NBA championships, 16 Western Conference titles, and making 32 playoff appearances in 34 seasons before his death in 2013. His influence extended beyond championships, as he revolutionized the business and presentation of NBA franchises worldwide.
The call for Buss's statue gains urgency as the Lakers navigate a period of significant ownership changes. Since last summer, the franchise has seen its majority ownership shift twice. Mark Walter initially acquired a majority stake from the Buss family in June 2025 for a reported $10 billion. However, just fourteen months later, amid federal investigations into Walter's business dealings, businessman Josh Kushner and former Disney executive Bob Iger purchased the majority ownership at a valuation of $12.5 billion.
Adding to the uncertainty, five of Dr. Buss's children have attempted to sell their remaining 17.8% stake in the team. This move has been challenged by Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss, who filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to block the sale. A court hearing is scheduled for December 8, leaving the future of the Buss family's involvement with the franchise unresolved. With Kushner and Iger at the helm, whose track record in leading a sports franchise is unestablished, the team's future direction remains unknown.
Honoring Dr. Jerry Buss with a statue would serve as a significant gesture for the new ownership to connect with the team's legacy and fanbase. It would acknowledge the foundation upon which the current empire stands and provide a tangible link to the era of unparalleled success that defined the Lakers.
The Lakers have already immortalized other key figures with statues outside the Crypto.com Arena, including Shaquille O’Neal (2017) and Kobe Bryant (2024). Phil Jackson's upcoming statue further solidifies the tradition of honoring those who have profoundly impacted the franchise. Recognizing Dr. Buss, the visionary owner who orchestrated much of this success, appears to be the logical and deserved next step.