Lakers’ Buss has been hospitalized for months
by Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY
Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss has been hospitalized for a few months with an undisclosed form of cancer, someone with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to respect the wishes of the family.
The 79-year-old Buss has spent time in the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, according to the Los Angeles Times, which quoted Buss’ son, Jim, Thursday saying his father was “doing fine.”
Some former players have been giving high praise to Buss for his accomplishments as owner.
“Yeah, (Buss) has been on my mind, that’s been on my mind for a while,” Lakers star Kobe Bryant told USA TODAY Sports at All-Star weekend in Houston. “I’m just trying to stay. Gotta stay positive.”
Asked if he knew Dr. Buss’ status, he said, “I don’t know. I haven’t gotten an update.”
In a tweet, former Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, “Dr. Buss is an important part of the Laker family so I hope his stay in the hospital is short and he has a speedy recovery. #Jerrybuss.”
“Dr. Jerry Buss, thinking about u & wish I could be there, get well soon,” former Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal tweeted Thursday. “I cant wait 2 see u on 4/2/13 #LoveYou.”
Former Los Angeles Lakers player Robert Horry said his relationship with Buss is professional. But he had praise for what Buss’ teams have accomplished.
“You’ve got to think about it. He owned the Lakers what, 30 years? And they’ve won championships or been in the championships half that – that’s incredible,” Horry told USA TODAY Sports.
“They bring in the right people. And the thing about it is you’ve got certain organizations around professional sports where you just say their name and guys want to play for them. They’re goinig to go to that organization. The Lakers are one of those organizations where somehow, someway, they’ve got a rabbit’s foot and they keep getting players to come there, and that’s the Lakers. The Lakers are one of the best professional organizations in the world.”
Team spokesman John Black said the team has no plans to comment … [For more on Lakers owner Jerry Buss has been hospitalized for months, click here.]
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