Report: Lakers owner Buss hospitalized with cancer
Lakers owner Jerry Buss reportedly has an undisclosed form of cancer and has been hospitalized.
Citing multiple team personnel, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday that Buss, 79, has been spending time in the intensive care unit of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for his condition. A Lakers spokesperson would not comment on Buss' condition.
The Times reported many current and former Lakers players, including Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, have visited Buss. Radaronline.com reported the players were paying their last respects to him.
Buss has been hospitalized often during the past two years, including a surgery last August and blood clots for his legs 14 months ago.
Despite the recent medical issues, Buss has been involved in decisions around the team. The Times said he participated in the decision to hire coach Mike D'Antoni in November as well as last summer's acquisitions of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash.
Buss bought the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings and the Forum from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979 for $67.5. He built the franchise into one of the most iconic in sports, winning 10 NBA championships since he bought them. Last year, the team signed a $1 billion TV deal.
In the past few years, son Jim Buss and daughter Jeanie Buss have taken more control of the team.
