Lakers Owner JERRY BUSS has “an undisclosed form of cancer and is in the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,” according to sources cited by Bresnahan & Rohlin of the L.A. TIMES. Buss’ son and Lakers Exec VP/Player Personnel JIM BUSS on Thursday said, "He's doing fine. We just aren't going to make any comments on it. We've been dealing with this." Buss has “not attended any games this season” and maintained an “extremely low public profile last year.” Current and former Lakers players KOBE BRYANT, PAU GASOL, SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, MAGIC JOHNSON and KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR “have visited Buss at various stages since finding out about his condition, which was diagnosed at an unknown point last year.” Buss has been in the hospital “numerous times the last two years.” Buss over the years “has gradually handed more power” to Jim and his daughter, Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations JEANIE BUSS (L.A. TIMES, 2/15). In L.A., Mark Medina notes Buss before his recent health issues was “still involved in the decision-making processes for the Lakers.” He was “strongly in favor of the Lakers hiring MIKE D'ANTONI” as coach. D'Antoni said that he has “never met Buss in person.” But he added, "Everybody knows he's laid the foundation for a lot of years. This is the best franchise in the NBA. He means a lot" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 2/15). AEG President & CEO TIM LEIWEKE said, "He's been a good, kind, generous friend. We feel for him as a partner and friend and we're praying for him." Former NHL Kings Owner BRUCE MCNALL said, "He's what a great owner should be. I tried to be the model he set, to a fault in my case. It's really amazing what he's done for the city. Nothing less than amazing" (L.A. TIMES, 2/15).
