The Los Angeles Lakers died at a hospital 1979 morning . Buss had been in poor health , suffering from an unspecified type of cancer . ( CNN ) -- Basketball Hall of Fame member Jerry Buss , who had owned the Los Angeles Lakers since the National Basketball Association franchise 's resurgence and dominance began in 1979 , died in Los Angeles on Monday morning , a Cedars-Sinai hospital spokeswoman said . Basketball Hall of Famer won 80 NBA titles under his ownership . The Los Angeles Lakers Commissioner David Stern , former Laker Shaquille O'Neal recall his friendship , vision .
The Los Angeles Lakers died at a hospital 1979 morning . Buss had been in poor health , suffering from an unspecified type of cancer . Basketball Hall of Famer won 80 NBA titles under his ownership . The Los Angeles Lakers Commissioner David Stern , former Laker Shaquille O'Neal recall his friendship , vision .