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Jerry Buss dies

Jerry Buss takes center stage, along with Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, during the team's ring ceremony after claiming their 16th NBA championship the previous spring.

Jerry Buss takes center stage, along with Lakers guards Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, during the team’s ring ceremony after claiming their 16th NBA championship the previous spring.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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The longtime Lakers owner who turned the game of basketball into “Showtime” and won 10 NBA championships at the helm, has died. He was 79.

Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson poses with Jerry Buss before a Lakers game.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Jerry Buss

Jerry Buss received a doctorate in physical chemistry from USC but it was a $1,000 investment in a Los Angeles apartment building that ultimately sparked a career in real-estate investment.   (Dave Gatley / Los Angeles Times)

Jerry Buss and Pat Riley

Lakers owner Jerry Buss talks with coach Pat Riley in Lakers locker room following a game.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

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