Over the All-Star break, news broke that longtime Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss had been hospitalized and was battling cancer.
Monday, Dr. Buss passed away.
[Heisler on Buss: As owners go, he stands alone]
Many NBA players (former and current), owners and personnel sent their regards via Twitter.
Earvin Magic Johnson:
My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a great man and an incredible friend.
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
WOW! Where do I begin?! I was 19 when I first met Dr. Buss and for 34yrs he has been a father figure and best friend.
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
This is a great loss for the LAKER NATION–1st the legendary Chick Hearn and now my 2nd dad, the beloved Dr. Jerry Buss. I LOVE you Dr. Buss!
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
All Dr. Buss ever wanted to do was WIN and he did. Dr. Buss won 10 Championships – 5 with me as a player & 5 with me as his partner.
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
Dr. Buss was a visionary and an incredible business man with a serious passion for numbers.
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
Thank you @JeanieBuss for keeping me up to date on Dr. Buss. You are like my sister. I LOVE you and hope you run the @Lakers like your dad!
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson
Dr. Buss’s legacy will continue on through his incredible children.
@MagicJohnson
Earvin Magic Johnson