Jerry Buss has done well for himself. The Lakers’ franchise has an estimated worth of more than $600 million, his team captured its 15th championship last season and sits atop the Western Conference standings this year.
The rich appear to be getting richer as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has named Buss one of its 2010 finalists.
Buss has made the Lakers into one of the league’s most successful franchises since he purchased the team in 1979. During his tenure, the Lakers have won nine NBA championships, earned 16 Western Conference championships and recorded the most wins and the highest overall winning percentage.
In addition to his NBA contributions, the 75-year-old Buss has contributed to other areas of basketball. Buss owned the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks for 10 years, and helped the team earn two WNBA titles. The Lakers owner also was the first NBA team owner of a D-League franchise when the Lakers bought the Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2006.
Buss has served the NBA as a member of the NBA Board of Governors and has received numerous honors for his charity work as well.
The Hall of Fame will announce the Class of 2010 on April 5. Buss will need at least 75 percent of the Honors Committee’s votes for election into the Hall.
