Jerry Buss, who guided the Los Angeles Lakers to an unprecedented run of success over the past three decades as owner, died Monday. He was 80. Buss acquired the Lakers in 1979, and over the next 32 years helped guide the squad to 10 NBA titles and 16 finals appearances. He’s best known for his commitment to attracting—and paying for—the sport’s best talent, having lured marquee players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant, as well as coaches Pat Riley and Phil Jackson, to L.A. over the years.
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