- 1 Early life
- 2 Career
- 3 Jim Buss – Net Worth 2026
- 4 Personal life
- 5 Jim Buss – Body Measurements
- 6 Social Media
Jim Buss is a former executive vice president of the basketball operation of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jim Buss is the son of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
Early Life
Born on November 9, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, James Hatten Buss—better known as Jim Buss—is the offspring of Jerry Buss and Joann Mueller. His father was a multifaceted individual involved in business, chemistry, investing, and philanthropy, alongside owning the Los Angeles Lakers.
He shares his lineage with siblings Jeanie, Janie, and half-siblings Joey and Jesse. Following his parents' divorce in 2012, his father passed away from kidney failure in 2013. The Lakers' controlling ownership was then divided among Jerry's six children. Jim attended USC before leaving college to spend time at the racetrack.
Professional Journey
Initially, Jim partnered with a close friend in a small business venture. Tragedy struck in 1988 when his friend died in a car accident, deeply affecting Jim. In 1985, he took over as president of his father's indoor soccer team, the Los Angeles Lazers, succeeding his brother Johnny.
He successfully reduced annual losses from $1 million to $500,000 before the team eventually disbanded in 1989. Transitioning to horse racing, Jim managed his father's stable until 1997 when he sold the unprofitable operation. Encouraged by his father, he joined the Lakers, where his dad had transformed the franchise into a sports powerhouse since acquiring it in 1979.
Working under Jerry West and later Mitch Kupchak, Jim immersed himself in the basketball industry. His career saw a pivotal moment when he was promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2005, though his father intended for Jim to oversee basketball decisions while his sister Jeanie handled business operations. Jim notably supported drafting Andrew Bynum in 2005, despite opposition from Kobe Bryant regarding Bynum's selection and later disagreements over trading him.
Career Highlights
Jim's decision-making often sparked controversy, such as hiring Mike Brown over Brian Shaw as coach in 2011, leading to his dismissal. The Lakers' pursuit of championship contention with a $100 million payroll ultimately ended with his firing after just five games, marking one of the fastest coaching changes in NBA history. The team subsequently hired Mike D'Antoni.
Net Worth Overview
Information regarding Jim Buss's current financial status remains undisclosed.
Caption: Jim Buss’s team Lakers during the match. Source: Instagram
Personal Details
Jim Buss maintains privacy around his personal life. He was married briefly in 1983 and had a son, Jager Buss, whom he gained custody of after a divorce. He also has two daughters, Micaela and Milahna Buss.
Physical Attributes
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches with dark brown eyes and grey hair, Jim Buss's stature is notable.
Social Media Presence
Jim Buss appears largely absent from active social media engagement.
