How Many Kids Did Jerry Buss Have? (Childrens Name and Wife)
Jerry Buss had a total of six children, making for a lively and bustling household. Their names are Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, Janie, Joey, and Jesse.
Buss had his children with two different partners, JoAnn Mueller and Karen Demel. From his marriage to JoAnn Mueller, he had five children: Lee, Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, and Janie. Additionally, he had two more children, Joey and Jesse, with his girlfriend Karen Demel.
| Partner/Marriage | Children |
|---|---|
| JoAnn Mueller | Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, Janie |
| Karen Demel | Joey, Jesse |
It’s interesting to note that six out of six of Jerry Buss’s children worked in the Lakers organization at the time of his passing in 2013, carrying on their father’s legacy in the world of basketball.
Legacy of Jerry Buss
Jerry Buss, the legendary sports figure, made an indelible mark on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA as a whole. As the majority owner of the Lakers, Buss oversaw a period of unprecedented success for the franchise, resulting in 10 NBA championships. His ownership spanned several decades, including the famed Showtime era of the 1980s, which featured legendary players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Under Buss’s leadership, the Lakers became more than just a basketball team. He revolutionized the sports industry by transforming Lakers games into extravagant entertainment spectacles. Buss introduced cheerleaders, live music, and premium seating options, ensuring that attending a Lakers game was a captivating experience.
It was his vision for blending sports and entertainment that set the Lakers apart from other teams and made them a cultural phenomenon in Los Angeles.
Beyond the Lakers, Jerry Buss also owned other professional sports franchises in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL and the LA Sparks in the WNBA. His influence extended beyond the basketball court, as he sought to create a sports empire that united and captivated the people of Los Angeles.
Jerry Buss’s Business and Philanthropy
Before his ownership of the Lakers, Jerry Buss had a successful career in real estate. He began his journey in the industry with a modest $1,000 investment in a Los Angeles apartment building. This initial step paved the way for his future ventures and success in the world of real estate.
As his career progressed, Buss co-founded the real estate investment company Mariani-Buss Associates. The company went on to own an impressive portfolio of approximately 700 properties spread across Arizona, California, and Nevada. Buss’s astute investment decisions and business acumen allowed him to establish himself as a prominent figure in the real estate industry.
In addition to his notable contributions in the business realm, Jerry Buss was also a philanthropist. He believed in giving back to the community and supporting causes close to his heart. Buss generously donated $7.5 million to USC’s Department of Chemistry, enabling the institution to advance its research and education in the field.
His philanthropic endeavors also extended to providing support to individuals associated with the Lakers, such as former player Walt Hazzard, further showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact.
Buss Family and the Lakers Today
Following Jerry Buss’s passing in 2013, the Buss family established a family trust, which now holds a significant 66% ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. This trust empowers each of Jerry Buss’s six children with an equal vote, ensuring a shared decision-making process.
Among the Buss siblings, Jeanie Buss took the helm as team president and serves as the Lakers’ representative on the NBA Board of Governors. Jeanie’s leadership has been instrumental in steering the team’s course and preserving its legacy.
Another of Jerry Buss’s children, Jim Buss, held responsibility for basketball operations until his dismissal by Jeanie Buss. Despite this change, the Buss family remains the proud owner of the Lakers, with each child holding an 11% ownership stake in the franchise.
Under the guidance of Jeanie Buss, the Lakers have continued to thrive. In 2020, the team achieved an impressive NBA championship, solidifying their place among the league’s elite.
