Is Jim Buss On The Hot Seat? And Will Jeanie Buss Turn Up The Heat?

No Comments February 1, 2017 Lakers By John Stellman

The headline wasn’t exactly plastered all over the front page of the Hollywood Reporter.

TMZ didn’t send a camera crew.

It wasn’t Entertainment Tonight’s lead story.

It’s All Over

But on December 27, 2016 Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss ended their four year engagement.

“With mutual love and respect, we have decided to end our engagement,” Jackson wrote on his Twitter account.

“With the nature of our professional obligations and the geographic distance between us, sustaining the relationship has been difficult.

“We have shared many wonderful moments through the years, and we expect to remain supportive of each other in the future. PJ/JB”

An Affair To Remember!

Tweeted Buss: “The love of my life is the Los Angeles Lakers. I love Phil & will always. It’s not fair to him or Lakers to not have my undivided attention.”

They began dating in 1999, the year Jackson arrived in Los Angeles.

Their relationship flourished. So did the Lakers.

The Beat Goes On

Jackson didn’t miss a beat after his departure from Chicago, where he collected six rings,

During his 11 year stint in tinsel town the Lakers won five National Basketball Associations championships. On two other occasions his Lakers lost in the finals.

But deteriorating health concerns finally convinced Jackson to retire following the 2010-2011 season.

Two years later when her father and Laker patriarch Jerry Buss died, Buss was elevated to team president.

Long Commute

Meanwhile Jackson moved on to New York.

In March of 2014, he signed a 5-year/$60M contract to become the Knickerbockers team president.

As for the Lakers?

Revolving Door

They struggled under the guidance of Mike Brown, Mike D’Antoni and Byron Scott.

However, with Luke Walton’s hiring this season, chemistry appears to have been restored in the locker room.

So what about the chaotic front office.

Until December, there was speculation that Jackson might return to Los Angeles in an executive capacity.

Parting Of The Ways

But after their recent mutual seperation Jeanie Buss might head in a different direction.

Like instead of looking east, she might look north.

How about Jerry West?

“It’s awkward to talk about,” West responded when the subject was put to him recently.

Brother Jim, who is Executive Vice President Of Basketball Operations, could be on the clock.

And, it’s ticking.

Upon the death of his father, Buss offered to resign in “three or four years” if the team wasn’t “contending for a championship.”

Family Feud

Jeanie’s response?

“That’s what he said, so I have to give him his time. I have to.”

Jim however, believes his sister is more concerned about how the Lakers are playing now than she is about the future makeup of the front office.

“If I feel that the strides have been made and the team is going in a very positive – not just a positive direction – a very positive direction, I don’t see a switch happening,” Jim said.

But Jeanie is very adamant that anything less than a second round playoff appearance would not be acceptable.

Rumor, Rumors

There is common ground however.

“We’re like every other team that we will play a season and we will access that season when it’s over.

“No reason to speculate on any possible changes. It’s a waste of time to speculate,” Jeanie said.

Really?

Known as “Mr. Clutch” for obvious reasons, West left a trail of brilliance behind in Los Angeles, both on and off the court.

Accolades Galore

As a players West was a 14- time All Star Game selection and was named the Game’s Most Valuable Player in 1972.

He was selected to the league’s First Team on 10 occasions.

The West Virginia native was named to the League’s All Defensive Team four times.

West was also an NBA champion (1972) and a Finals Most Valuable Player (1969).

He has lead the league in scoring (1970) and assists (1972).

Best Of The Best

And just for good measure, West was named to the League’s 35th and 50th Anniversary Teams.

West, who spent his entire 14-year playing career with the Lakers, amassed 25,192 points (27.0 ppg) and is a member of the Basketball Hall Of Fame.

He also represented his country in the 1960 Olympics (Rome) and the 1959 Pan American Games (Chicago).

The greatness of West was best exemplified by his silhouette which was selected as the focal point of the NBA logo.

Needless to say, No. 44 hangs proudly from the rafters inside Staples Center.

More Than A Handful

As an executive, West has collected seven NBA Championship rings.

He is also a two-time (1995, 2004) NBA Executive Of The Year recipient.

His credentials haven’t gone unnoticed by Jeanie.

While Jackson is more relaxed and comfortable around players and coaches, West is quiet the opposite.

Brilliant Mind

He loves conversing with the league’s general managers. He’s an inquisitive talker and an intelligent listener.

West’s congeniality opens the door to a wide range of varying opinions.

“Jerry West was the single biggest influence on me from when my dad bought the team.

“A teacher and a mentor and somebody who is Laker standards,” Jeanie admitted.

Strong Voice

So as not to step on toes and perhaps make a transition as smooth as possible, Jim could still maintain is prestigious title.

And although he would remain in the background, West would have a monstrous influence in the decision making process.

“I think she understands that she has to make decisions that are important for the future of the franchise, for the growth of the franchise.

“She knows she has to do that.

“And I don’t think she’d be afraid to do that,” West said.

“EXTRA, EXTRA, read all about it!”

The Southern California News Group Contributed To This Article

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John Stellman

I was born with sports in my blood. I began coaching little league baseball at 15. I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper. I did football play by play for the college radio station. I broadcast high school basketball for a local commercial station. But baseball was always my passion. During the 1970's I covered the Angels for the Orange County Register. And now I am back where I belong...