Jeanie Buss: The Lakers Owner with a Legacy of Family, ESPN Headlines, and Reddit Buzz

Jeanie Buss is one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern sports — a woman at the top of one of the most iconic franchises in basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers. From family drama that played out like a Shakespearean tale to national coverage on ESPN and heated debates on Reddit, her journey is as fascinating off the court as her team’s performance is on it.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Who Jeanie Buss is

• Her family background and Lakers legacy

• How she became the Lakers’ controlling owner

• ESPN’s coverage of her role and decisions

• Reddit’s viewpoint on the Lakers’ ownership saga

• Does Jeanie Buss still own the Lakers today?

• Key highlights and controversies

• FAQs about her life and career

1. Who Is Jeanie Buss? Early Life and Background

Jeanie Marie Buss was born on September 26, 1961 in Santa Monica, California. She grew up as the eldest daughter of Dr. Jerry Buss, the real estate investor who transformed the Lakers into a global sports brand after purchasing the franchise in 1979.

From her youth, Jeanie was groomed for leadership. At just 19 years old, she was entrusted with managing the Los Angeles Strings, a professional tennis team — an early test of her business acumen and resilience.

After graduating with a business degree from the University of Southern California (USC), she worked across the Buss family’s various sports properties, including roller hockey and the World Team Tennis franchise.

2. The Buss Family Legacy and Lakers Ownership

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most decorated franchises in sports history, with a legacy that began long before Jeanie took charge. Jerry Buss built the team into a global powerhouse, winning 10 NBA championships under his stewardship.

When Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, the ownership of the Lakers didn’t pass to just one person — it went into a family trust shared equally among his six children. Each sibling inherited about 11% of the team, creating a power structure that would lead to internal drama and conflict later.

The trust also stated that Jeanie was to become the controlling owner — a key distinction in the NBA because it determines who has final say in team decisions. This was not just symbolic; it was contractual and backed by a legal framework.

3. How Jeanie Buss Became Controlling Owner

Although all the Buss siblings shared financial ownership, Jeanie was appointed controlling owner through the provisions of Jerry Buss’s trust.

In the years following their father’s death, sibling rivalry over control escalated — especially between Jeanie and her older brothers Jim and Johnny. In one of the most dramatic moments in the franchise’s off-court history, Jeanie fired Jim from his Lakers front office role and then successfully defended her position legally when he and Johnny tried to challenge her control.

This struggle was widely covered by ESPN and other major outlets, not only because of the family element but because the Lakers are one of the league’s flagship franchises. ESPN reported extensively on how Jeanie consolidated control and guided the organization through turbulent years.

4. ESPN’s Coverage and National Spotlight

ESPN has been one of the most influential outlets in shaping public understanding of Jeanie Buss’s role with the Lakers. Their reporting touches on everything from family infighting to franchise strategy decisions.

Major Themes ESPN Covered:

• Buss Family Infighting: ESPN detailed the decades-long drama between Jeanie and her brothers after Jerry Buss’s death, exploring how family dynamics impacted franchise control.

• Leadership Decisions: From front office changes to basketball operations strategy, ESPN has often analyzed whether Jeanie’s moves align with the Lakers’ best interests.

• Sale of Majority Ownership: ESPN reported on the Lakers’ historic sale to billionaire Mark Walter for a $10 billion valuation — a record for any U.S. sports franchise — and how Jeanie completed the deal while retaining gubernatorial authority.

These stories not only provide context but shape how fans and analysts view Jeanie’s leadership — from business strategy to loyalty to family legacy.

5. Reddit’s View on Jeanie Buss and Lakers Ownership

The Lakers’ passionate fanbase on Reddit (particularly on subreddits like r/nba and r/lakers) has been vocal about Jeanie’s leadership.

Here’s a snapshot of how Redditors talk about her:

Popular Reddit Takeaways

• Sale to Mark Walter: Many fans noted the historical importance of selling the Lakers for approximately $10 billion, while Jeanie retained governance and operational leadership.

• Fan Debate on Her Role: Some fans praised Jeanie for steering the team through family drama and modern NBA complexities. Others criticize elements of the front office’s decisions under her watch. (views vary widely across threads)

• Reddit Reactions on Legacy: Discussions brought up how Jerry Buss’s trust structure forced some of these difficult decisions, amplifying debate about whether it was smart or problematic.

• Agreement with Mark Walter: Reddit threads often highlighted Mark Walter’s statement affirming Jeanie’s continued leadership and commitment to the Lakers’ vision.

Overall, Reddit offers a fan-driven perspective that mixes admiration, skepticism, and spirited debate about the future direction of the Lakers under her leadership.

6. Does Jeanie Buss Still Own the Lakers? Current Ownership Situation

This is one of the most asked questions — and the answer reflects a shift in NBA ownership.

Key Points:

• Jeanie Buss remains the Governor of the Lakers and oversees day-to-day operations.
• The Buss family agreed to sell the majority ownership of the franchise at a record-setting $10 billion valuation to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Jeanie and other Buss family members are retaining a minority ownership stake and are expected to continue in leadership roles for several years.

So while Jeanie is no longer the majority owner of the Lakers, she still runs the team — making her one of the most influential figures in the organization.

7. Leadership Highlights — What Jeanie Buss Has Done

Throughout her tenure, Jeanie has made bold decisions — not all without controversy:

Championship Success

Under Jeanie’s leadership, the Lakers won the 2020 NBA Championship, marking a major milestone for her as controlling owner.

Front Office Decisions

She has overseen several front office shifts — including firing and hiring executives — that have aimed to balance legacy with competitiveness.

Media and Public Voice

Jeanie is regularly featured in national media and documentaries, reinforcing her brand as a thoughtful and intense leader who prioritizes both tradition and future competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Was Jeanie Buss the first female controlling owner to win an NBA title?
Yes — Jeanie Buss led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship as controlling owner, making her one of the most successful female owners in sports history.

Q2. How did Jeanie Buss become the Lakers owner?
Her father, Jerry Buss, set up a trust that named her controlling owner after his death. Despite shared family ownership, Jeanie has final decision-making authority.

Q3. Is Jeanie Buss still involved with the Lakers?
Yes — after the majority sale to Mark Walter, she remains governor and operational leader for the foreseeable future.

Q4. Why did the Buss family sell the Lakers?
Multiple factors played a role, including the structure of the family trust and financial incentives — topics fans frequently discuss on Reddit.

Q5. What is Jeanie Buss’s net worth?
Her wealth is largely tied to her Lakers stakes and other business ventures; team valuation and media deals contribute substantially to her overall financial profile.

Conclusion

Jeanie Buss’s story is one of legacy, leadership, conflict, and evolution. From her father’s vision to ESPN headlines and every Reddit debate in between, she has emerged as one of the most recognizable and discussed figures in basketball today. Although the Lakers are transitioning to new majority ownership, Jeanie remains at the helm — guiding a storied franchise into a new era while honoring a rich heritage.