Jery Buss

Dr. Gerald Hatten Buss (1933-2013), also known as “Jerry,” was an American businessman, investor, and poker player from Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on January 27th, 1933. Over the course of his poker career, he accumulated $172,490 in live tournament earnings, with his largest single cash being $33,820. Buss was the majority shareholder of the National Basketball Association team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

He had been battling cancer since 2012. After being hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with an undisclosed form of cancer, he passed away from kidney failure on February 18th, 2013, at the age of 80. Buss had also made appearances on the poker show High Stakes Poker.

Gerald Buss: Early Life

Born on January 27th, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Gerald “Jerry” Buss was the eldest of four children. Early on, he learned the value of hard work, holding multiple jobs at a young age. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Wyoming in just two and a half years, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate from USC. After working as a chemist, Buss ventured into real estate in the 1960s.

In 1979, Buss purchased the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, and The Forum for $67.5 million (over $500 million today). His leadership led the Lakers to ten NBA Championships and solidified the franchise’s value. Buss also owned the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, which won two championships. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 for his impactful contributions to sports, business, and philanthropy.

Gerald Buss: Poker Journey on High Stakes Poker

Gerald Buss debuted on January 16th, 2006, during the 1st episode of HSP Season 1. He participated in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Holdem game with Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Amir Nasseri, and others. Buss incurred a $16,100 loss.

He achieved his best live cash on February 14th, 2006, in HSP Season 1 Episode 5. Buss played in another $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game alongside Sam Farha, Eli Elezra, Barry Greenstein, and others. He won a whopping $116,200.

Gerald experienced his biggest loss during his latest appearance in HSP Season 1 Episode 13, on April 14th, 2006. Competing in a $300/600 +$100 ANTE ($1.2K) No Limit Hold ’em game. Among his opponents were Phil Hellmuth, Jennifer Harman, Antonio Esfandiari, and others. He dropped a staggering $84,900.

Gerald Buss: Live Tournament Participation

Gerald Buss recorded his first live cash in May 1991. He participated in a $2,500 Seven-Card Stud event at the 22nd WSOP in Las Vegas. Buss achieved 3rd position and took home $33,250.

WSOP Tribute to Buss with a Framed Photo at the Stud Table

When he passed away, the World Series of Poker honored Buss by leaving a framed photo of him on the Seven-Card Stud table, where he finished in 3rd place. It was placed behind an honorary stack next to Phil Ivey‘s

In May 2005, he achieved his best live cash by winning the $200 + 25 No Limit Hold’em event at the Winnin’ o’ the Green held in Los Angeles, Bell Gardens. He finished 1st and won $33,820.

His latest live tournament participation was in September 2011. He competed in a $100 + 25 No Limit Hold’em – All-in or Fold event at the Big Poker Oktober held in Los Angeles, Bell Gardens. Buss finished in 5th place and pocketed $450.

Conclusion

Dr. Gerald Hatten “Jerry” Buss, who passed away in 2013, left a lasting legacy through his transformative leadership of the Los Angeles Lakers and his memorable presence in high-stakes poker. His passion and charisma not only brought success to his teams but also earned him respect in the poker world. Even in his absence, his impact continues to be felt.