Lakers Owner Says Jerry Buss Would Have Approved Her Luka Doncic Trade
Lakers Owner Says Jerry Buss Would Have Approved Her Luka Doncic Trade.
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss believes her late father, the legendary Dr. Jerry Buss, would have fully supported the blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić.
The deal, which brought the Dallas Mavericks superstar to Los Angeles, marks one of the most significant acquisitions in Lakers history. While some fans were initially skeptical about the price the Lakers paid—sending multiple assets to Dallas—Buss has no doubt that her father, who built the Lakers into a dynasty, would have given his blessing.
“My dad always believed in star power and making bold moves to keep the Lakers competitive,” Buss said in an exclusive interview. “Luka is a generational talent, and if he had the chance to bring in a player like this, he would have done the same.”
Dr. Buss, who owned the Lakers from 1979 until his passing in 2013, was known for his fearless decision-making, acquiring and keeping superstars like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. His aggressive approach to team-building helped the franchise secure 10 NBA championships under his leadership.
A Move Rooted in Lakers’ Legacy
Jeanie Buss and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka faced immense pressure to make a significant move after recent struggles in the Western Conference. With LeBron James still performing at an elite level but nearing the twilight of his career, the front office saw Dončić as the perfect player to carry the Lakers into their next era.
“Luka has that rare mix of skill, basketball IQ, and charisma that fits the Lakers’ tradition,” Buss explained. “He’s the kind of player my father always wanted—a showman who can also dominate on the court.”
The addition of Dončić not only strengthens the Lakers’ championship hopes but also cements their future as a powerhouse, even beyond LeBron’s tenure.
Fans Split on the Trade
While many Lakers fans are thrilled about Dončić joining the team, others have expressed concerns about the cost of the trade. Reports indicate the Lakers gave up multiple key players and draft picks, a move reminiscent of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019.
However, Buss remains confident in her decision, drawing parallels to her father’s philosophy of prioritizing superstars over anything else.
“He always believed that championships are won with great players, not just assets. He took risks, and most of the time, they paid off. This move was about keeping that winning culture alive,” she said.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
With Dončić now wearing the purple and gold, the Lakers are expected to make another deep playoff run. His ability to control the game as both a scorer and facilitator makes him a perfect fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For Jeanie Buss, this trade is about more than just winning another championship—it’s about honoring her father’s vision and keeping the Lakers at the top of the basketball world.
“I know he would be smiling right now,” she said. “This is the kind of move he lived for.”
Whether or not this trade leads to another Lakers dynasty remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the spirit of Jerry Buss still looms large over the franchise, guiding it toward another chapter of greatness.
