Not Just Luka Dončić: Late Lakers Billionaire’s Influence Led to Jeanie Buss’ Surprising Breakup

Not Just Luka Dončić: Late Lakers Billionaire’s Influence Led to Jeanie Buss’ Surprising Breakup

In a revelation that has caught the attention of NBA fans, it turns out that Luka Dončić wasn’t the only influential figure involved in a major decision affecting the Los Angeles Lakers. The late Lakers billionaire and former owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, played a pivotal role in convincing his daughter, Jeanie Buss, to end a long-term relationship that lasted six years.

 

Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and president of the Lakers, was in a serious relationship with former Lakers coach and basketball legend Phil Jackson. The power couple, deeply connected through their love for the game, maintained a strong bond for years. However, despite their compatibility, the relationship never culminated in marriage, and in 2016, they officially parted ways.

 

The Influence of Jerry Buss

Although Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, his words and wisdom continued to guide Jeanie. Before his passing, he reportedly expressed concerns about Jeanie’s relationship with Jackson, particularly in relation to the Lakers’ ownership and leadership dynamics. Jackson, a five-time championship-winning coach with the Lakers, had immense influence within the organization, and Jerry Buss wanted to ensure that Jeanie remained the true decision-maker in the franchise’s future.

 

According to sources close to Jeanie, her father’s perspective weighed heavily on her. Jerry Buss always envisioned his daughter as the sole leader of the Lakers, free from any conflicts of interest that might arise from her relationship with Jackson, who was later hired as an executive for the New York Knicks.

 

A Difficult But Necessary Decision

Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson remained close even after their breakup, but the split allowed her to fully take control of the Lakers without any external pressure. This decision ultimately led to Jeanie making bold moves, including ousting her brother, Jim Buss, from the Lakers’ front office and bringing in Magic Johnson to revamp the team’s direction.

 

While Luka Dončić has been making headlines for his dominance on the court, this revelation about Jeanie Buss’ breakup highlights how decisions in the NBA aren’t just about basketball. Personal relationships, legacy, and leadership all play significant roles in shaping the future of franchises.

 

Jeanie Buss’ journey continues to be one of resilience and calculated leadership, ensuring that the Lakers remain a dominant force in the league—just as her father always intended.