So, you want to talk about Jerry Buss? The guy who turned the Lakers into a Hollywood blockbuster? Grab your coffee, because this is a good one. Let’s dish on how much cool actually costs.
The Man Who Bought a Dynasty (and a Lot of Chips)
Jerry Buss bought the Lakers for a steal back in 1979. We’re talking about $67 million total—for the team, the forum, and a hockey club. Today, that’s pocket change for a NBA owner. He basically found a winning lottery ticket and bought the whole store.
But here’s the kicker: he wasn’t just any owner. He was the guy who showed up to games with movie stars, treated players like family, and once called Magic Johnson his “second son.” How do you put a price tag on that kind of vibe? Turns out, you can—and it’s a wild number.
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The Final Tally: Jerry Buss’ Net Worth at Death
When Jerry passed away in February 2013, his net worth was estimated around $600 million. Yeah, you read that right. Not a billion—yet. But hold your horses; that’s the “cash and investments” number. The real treasure was the Lakers themselves.
At the time, Forbes valued the Lakers at about $1 billion. Jerry owned a massive chunk—roughly 66%. Do the math, and his effective net worth was closer to $700 million. Not bad for a guy who started as a chemist and real estate mogul, huh?
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And let’s be honest: the Lakers were worth more than money. They were a cultural icon. Jerry didn’t just own a team; he owned a mascot for Los Angeles cool. His fortune was in the aura.
Where Did the Cash Come From?
Jerry didn’t inherit a dime. He was a self-made guy with a PhD in chemistry and a poker face you’d envy. He made his first millions in real estate—buying apartment buildings in L.A. during the 1960s and 70s.
Then came the 1979 deal. He sold some of that real estate to buy the Lakers. Smart move, right? It’s like trading your Honda Civic for a Ferrari, except the Ferrari paid you millions every year. He also owned the Los Angeles Kings (hockey) and the Forum for a while. But the Lakers? That was his crown jewel.
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Here’s a fun fact: Jerry was a player on the court too. He once said, “I made more money playing poker than playing basketball.” That’s the kind of guy who could bluff his way to a fortune and then buy a championship trophy.
The Estate Drama (Because of Course)
When Jerry died, the money didn’t just sit pretty. He had six kids, and the will got messy. It’s like a soap opera, but with billions at stake. The trust was structured so his children would inherit shares of the Lakers, but they didn’t get voting control.
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Why? Because Jerry wanted the team to stay in the family, but not be run by a committee. Smart move, but it led to lawsuits. His daughter Jeanie Buss eventually took over as president—and she’s been running the show like a boss. The estate was finally settled in 2018, with the kids agreeing on a plan.
So, what was Jerry’s net worth at death? Technically, $600 million to $700 million. But really, it was priceless. The Lakers were his legacy, and you can’t put a dollar on a dynasty.
The Legacy: More Than a Bank Account
Think about this: Jerry Buss changed how we watch basketball. He introduced the Laker Girls, courtside seats for celebs, and the whole “Showtime” era. He made basketball sexy. You can’t buy that with a billion dollars—you have to be a visionary.
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And here’s the thing: he didn’t hoard his wealth. He spent it on players, parties, and popcorn. Once, he bet a friend $100,000 that the Lakers would win a game. They lost, and Jerry paid up without blinking. That’s the kind of guy who knew money was for living.
So, when we talk about Jerry Buss’ net worth at death, sure, it was impressive. But the real fortune? It’s in the memories of Magic’s no-look passes, Kobe’s fadeaways, and a guy in a suit who loved the game like a kid in a candy store.
And that, my friend, is a net worth no tax man can touch. Cheers to Jerry—the man who turned a basketball team into a Hollywood legend.