Dr. Jerry H. Buss1933 - 2013

The Impossible Dream

To dream the impossible dreamTo fight the unbeatable foe

To bear with unbearable sorrowTo run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrongTo be better far than you are

To try when your arms are too wearyTo reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that starNo matter how hopeless, no matter how far

To be willing to give when there's no more to giveTo be willing to die so that honor and justice may live

And I know if I'll only be true to this glorious questThat my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for thisThat one man scorned and covered with scars

Still strove with his last ounce of courage

To dream the impossible dream

To reach the unreachable star

Jerry Hatten BussJanuary 27, 1933 - February 18, 2013

Survived by children Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, Janie and former wife JoAnn; childrenJoey, Jesse, their mother Karen, half brother Sean and his two children; eight

grandchildren; half sister Susan Hall; half brother Micky Brown; and stepbrotherJim Brown.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Welcome / Opening Remarks - Tim Leiweke

Jim Hill (emcee)

Johnny Buss

Frank Mariani

David Stern

* Randy Newman performance *

Jerry West

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Phil Jackson

* USC band performance - “Amazing Grace” *

Shaquille O’Neal

Pau Gasol (in spanish)

Pat Riley

* Davis Gaines performance *

Kobe Bryant

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Closing Remarks - Jim Hill

Program Ends - Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”

In 1979, Jerry Buss ushered in an era of success unrivaled in the history of Southern California professional sports

when he acquired the Los Angeles Lakers. In what was at the time the largest ever sports transaction, Buss

purchased the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League, The Forum in Inglewood and a

13,000-acre Kern County ranch in June of that year. The rest, as they say, is history. Under his watch, the Lakers

advanced to the NBA Finals nearly every other year, totaling 16 appearances in all while claiming 10 Larry

O’Brien trophies.

While the success of the Lakers is directly attributable to the combined efforts of great players, outstanding

coaches, intelligent management and imaginative marketing, it was this teamwork, fostered by Buss, that helped

create the enormous popularity and acceptance that the NBA enjoys today.

A graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Buss earned his Ph. D in

Physical Chemistry from the University of Southern California. After a brief career in the aerospace industry,

Buss and Frank Mariani, an aerospace engineer, drew upon their scientific training to launch a career in real estate.

For Buss, the venture was intended only to provide income which would enable him to pursue his love for

teaching. Soon, however, the real estate firm of Mariani-Buss Associates was expanding so fast that its demands

would not allow time for other professions.

Ultimately, Buss was able to parlay his original $1,000 investment in a West Los Angeles apartment building into

assets that eventually enabled to him to achieve his second love, ownership of a major league sports team.

From the year he entered the NBA, Buss initiated numerous innovative marketing changes. Perhaps most notably,

Buss struck a major advertising agreement with Great Western Bank in 1988 that resulted in the Lakers’ former

home being named the Great Western Forum. Many of the marketing strategies he employed are now emulated

today by various NBA franchises as well as teams in other leagues.

In addition to his role with the Lakers, Buss served two terms as President of the NBA Board of Governors.

Among other accomplishments, he helped launch Prime Ticket Network (now FS West/Prime Ticket) in 1985.

Changing the face of sports television, Prime Ticket televised all of the Lakers home games and shortly became

the nation’s premier regional sports cable network. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch purchased the network in 1996,

making the valuable commodity the center piece of the FOX family of regional sports networks. On October 30,

2006, Buss’ pioneering spirit enabling fans to never miss a home game earned him a star on Hollywood’s Walk of

Fame in a ceremony attended by current Lakers players and staff, Hall-of-Famers Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-

Jabbar, Jerry West and Phil Jackson, celebrities, the Honorary Mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant, Lakers fans,

close friends and family. And of that family, each of Buss’ six grown children (Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, Janie, Joey

and Jesse) are now actively involved in his business operations.

Yet for all of his accomplishments in the business and sports world, Buss was equally respected for his

philanthropic efforts on behalf of highly divergent causes. While he was specifically drawn to supporting

education, the needs of disadvantaged youth and the elderly, his contributions were all encompassing and as

diverse as the community in which he lived and worked.

For his efforts he was honored by such organizations as the City of Hope, NAACP, the B’nai B’rith, United Negro

College Fund, United Indian Development Associations, American Hebrew University, National Organization of

Women, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Los Angeles Human Relations

Commission and Heart of Los Angeles Youth among many others. He also funded scholarships at his alma maters,

Wyoming and USC, while also having endowed the Magic Johnson Scholarship at Michigan State University.

Buss and his entities annually donated thousands of dollars, tickets, merchandise and autographed items to support

countless neighborhood schools, libraries and churches as well as non-profit organizations which attend to the

needs of communities in Southern California. Among his donations, Buss made a personal contribution of

$100,000 in April of 2009 to New Image Shelter to support their efforts on behalf of homelessness in Los Angeles.

In addition, when natural disasters and tragedies struck, such as the Southern California wildfires in 2003, 2007

and 2008, Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Southeast Asia, Buss and the Lakers were quick to offer assistance

with sizable donations to charities providing immediate frontline disaster relief and long-term recovery support

for those in need.

An avid poker player, Buss, who hosted tournaments to benefit charities such as Smile Train, reached a level of

proficiency where he achieved success competing against the best professionals in the highest level tournaments.

One of his most recent successes, however, fittingly capped three-plus decades of excellence leading the Lakers.

Named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010, Buss was enshrined in Springfield,

Massachusetts on August 13, 2010. One of eight individuals and two teams comprising the 2010 class, Buss

became the third Laker to enter the Hall as a contributor (Chick Hearn, Pete Newell).

“The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades

to come,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern upon Buss’ passing. “More importantly, we have lost a dear and

valued friend.”

Blue Jeans

As most of you know, my Dad was almost always in jeans. If you noticed, he liked

to cut his jeans at the bottom so they would fringe.

I actually saw him comb the fringe one time...so it didn't curl.

Needless to say, it may not be the best fashion statement, but I ask that everyone, as

a tribute to Jerry Buss, cut the bottom of one of your blue jeans each January 27th and

think of this wonderful man as you wear them.

- Johnny -

My Way

“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneelsThe record shows I took the blows and did it my way!

Yes, it was my way!” - Frank Sinatra, covered by Jim and Jerry Buss

You did it your way and I’m so proud of you.

- Jim -

My Promise To My Father

I promise to honor the values you instilled in me of humility, education, hard work,

loyalty, family and community.

You treasured Los Angeles, the city that welcomed you and your ambitions with open

arms and in return dreamed of giving her a team the citizens would be proud of and

a rival to the dominating Boston Celtics. Your innovations and commitment to

winning changed the landscape of the NBA and forced the sports media to end their

east coast bias.

It will at times be heartbreaking to live without you and I know there will be plenty

of challenges ahead on the path you set for us, but I will draw comfort from your

teachings. When questions and doubts creep into my mind, I will draw from your

wisdom for you were my professor, my ally, my captain. You educated me so

thoroughly and believed in me with all your heart that I will never be without you.

You gave us a gift which we will continue to nurture and preserve.

I am humbled by the many who have shared stories with me of how you inspired them

to pursue education and invest in their ideas, and will continue to find joy and comfort

every time I hear another story.

You will always be my Dad-E-O and I, your little Jeanie-pie. I love you.

- Jeanie -

Leader Of The Band

“The Leader of the Band is tired and his eyes are growing old but his blood runs through

my instrument and his song is in my soul. My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the

man, I’m just a living legacy to the Leader of the Band.” - Dan Fogelberg

I will miss you every day of my life but I know what you have taught me and I will

continue to live by that. Your generosity many times went unnoticed, but I promise to you

that I will continue to help those in need and help the people of Los Angeles.

- Janie -

My Inspiration

There have been many individuals that have inspired me in my life. One of the greatest

inspirations in my life was my Grandpa Jerry.

Jerry Buss has not only shaped the person I am today but has always challenged me to

work hard, play by the rules, do the impossible and care for others. We can never define

happiness, but I will say this, that Jerry Buss was able to facilitate happiness throughout

the land with his great charisma, knowledge, and charm.

Jerry Buss, whom I am proud to call my Grandpa, was a dreamer and always made sure

he put others before himself. The legacy of my Grandpa will never be forgotten and I love

him with all my heart. God Bless him and may he rest in peace.

- Riley -

Memories Of Dad

I can’t begin to express what my father meant to me or how much I will miss him. I'll always

remember my years growing up in San Diego with my father, mother Karen, brother Jesse and

half-brother Sean. Dad took us to the Del Mar fair and to the race track, where he placed $1

bets for us kids. He loved bringing us with him to Comic-Con, where he shared his hobbies of

collecting coins, stamps, cards and comics. We went on annual summer trips to Honolulu and

always stayed in our favorite hotel, the Royal Hawaiian. He gave us an amazing childhood.

In my adult years Dad introduced me to culture. He shared with me his passion for

international travel, classical music, cinema, theatre, art, language, history and most

importantly, food and wine. Some of my favorite memories are of the summers we spent

traveling Europe together with our good friends the Mariani family. Venice was always our

favorite. During and after college, my wife Nicole began joining us. We shared moments with

Dad that we would never forget – sipping cappuccinos every morning, bargaining for cheaper

prices on Venetian glass, participating in Lakers basketball operations via fax machine and

enjoying our many incredible meals and explorations across Europe.

And then there’s basketball. How lucky am I to have these opportunities because of my dad?

For as far back as I can remember, Dad has spent his time preparing me for a future role in the

business he built – having me intern with Johnny when he ran the Sparks, appointing me to sit

in on NBA Board of Governor meetings, sending me on the road to learn the ropes under Phil

Jackson, choosing me to accept a championship trophy and allowing me the freedom to run the

D-Fenders along with my brother Jesse under the guidance of Jimmy and Jeanie.

Dad instilled confidence, generosity, and thankfulness in me. I'll always appreciate his never

ending love and support. I am so grateful he was able to watch me start my own family and

meet my son Benjamin Hatten Buss. His loving memory will always live on in my heart.

- Joey -

Simply The Best

It is impossible to put in words what my dad means to me. He was the best father and

friend a boy could ask for.

Through his love and wisdom he laid a foundation that I will use as support going

forward.

The knowledge he bestowed upon my siblings and I will enable us to carry on his

legacy for decades to come.

The support and encouragement he showed me, regardless of my endeavor, will be

forever cherished.

Thank you for everything Dad. I love you!

- Jesse -

Hall of Fame Induction Speech - August 13, 2010

"I guess you can tell I'm happy to be here. In fact, I'm probably happier than anyone, because most of the people that come

up here have an inkling of the idea that someday they may make the Hall of Fame. Believe me, when I was 21, I never

thought I'd be enshrined with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan. In high school, I was on overly competitive but

under-ly endowed player. I turned to heavy studies, and eventually won a scholarship to the University of Wyoming. I

worked hard at the books, but I always took time to watch Wyoming play.

A lot of people don't know this, as a matter of fact -- Wyoming won the NCAA basketball championship (in 1943).

After my university graduation at Wyoming, I went to graduate school. I had a lot of offers, but I chose the one with the

best athletic program: USC. I became a die-hard basketball fan, with early memories of Walt Hazzard kicking the crap out

of my beloved Trojans.

I was awarded a PhD in chemistry, and immediately went out to seek my future. Made a lot of money in real estate, and

after 15 years I started to dabble in minor league sports. At one time, I owned a tennis team, a soccer team, a volleyball

team, and promoted boxing matches. This entrance into the entrepreneur's side of sports eventually led to me becoming a

major league owner.

After two years of endless negotiations, I purchased the Los Angeles Lakers. What a dream come true. And then my path

to my presence here began. It is difficult to explain the excitement and the reverence the first day, when Jerry West and

Bill Sharman came into my office. I couldn't believe I was suddenly in charge a legendary franchise, and that my thoughts

would influence the future of this team for so many years. This is the way every owner should begin -- two of the most

knowledgeable Hall of Famers of all time.

And this was just the beginning. The next step, we drafted Earvin "Magic" Johnson, surely one of the most gifted athletes

in any sport at any time. His exploits and personality elevated the franchise to the heavens.

We became, and still are, the very best of friends.

How many fabulous hours we spent together. Chocolate donuts, playing pool. Playing ping pong -- he used to let me win,

incidentally. He was always a promoter. Well by now, I was beginning to feel that I was walking on a golden path. The

first year, we won the championship. The first day of practice, I was introduced to yet another larger-than-life player,

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The greatest scorer in history. What a thought I had. Happiness, knowing he played for the Lakers.

My Lakers!

We lost the next year, but we gained another heroic figure in Pat Riley. He was the man who brought four championships

to Los Angeles. What a career, what glory, what fun to have you as my guardian angel. Jerry West decided another Hall

of Famer, so he drafted James Worthy. Big Game James, certainly one of the nicest men anybody will ever meet. There

were times when I would sit in the locker room, and I would be surrounded by five Hall of Famers.

As a fan, you can't imagine how wonderful that feels.

Still, it couldn't last. We had a few rough years. We missed the playoffs one year -- something unheard of in Lakerland --

and then the chapter two begins. Jerry West comes to me and says he has an eye on a 17-year-old phenomenon, Kobe

Bryant.

I said, "Great, in three or four years, he'll be good."

He said, "No. Now."

I said, "What?"

"Well, not only that, Jerry," he was telling me, "also Shaq has said he wants to come to Los Angeles. This could be the

greatest one-two punch in the history of basketball."

"OK," I said, "let's go for it."

The two became Lakers, and then it only remained to have a guru with mythical statistics, Phil Jackson. Another Hall of

Famer added to my cup, which no doubt was runneth over. Another three championships, each one distinct and flavorful.

But chapter two had an ending as well. We had a few bad years. We missed the playoffs another time, the second in my

31 years. But good fortune was still on my side. He listened to my plea when I said "Come back, Phil, come back!" I mixed

in a little Spanish future Hall of Famer named Gasol, and voila! Another two championships.

Life is good, life is sweet. I am blessed with a wonderful family, who have helped me and guided me every step of the

way. This support is the best anybody could ever have. I say thank you, my children.

So you see it's really not such a miracle I'm here. These men put their hands together, their souls together, and brought me

with them. And I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart."

“I've worked hard and been lucky.With the combination of the two,

I've accomplished everything I ever set out to do.”