R.I.P. Jerry Buss

News came this morning that Laker owner Jerry Buss died today due to complications related to cancer.

The owner of the LosAngeles Lakers since 1979, Buss quickly became the most revered and successful steward of any West Coast team, presiding over "Showtime" and teams featuring the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy and later, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

NBA.com described him this way:

Few owners in sports history can even approach Buss' accomplishments with the Lakers, who made the NBA finals 16 times through 2011 during his 32 years in charge, winning 10 titles between 1980 and 2010. The Lakers easily are the NBA's winningest franchise since he bought the club.

Though his teams were bitter rivals of my one and only Celtics, taking the title from them on numerous occasions since his arrival, he was one of the things that made the battles that much more exciting. Much respect due, Mr. Buss. R.I.P.