Buss Admits Receiving Two Inquiries but Denies He Is Trying to Sell Kings

Jerry Buss has denied that he is trying to sell the Kings.

A member of the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors, who asked to remain anonymous, said early this week that Buss had been trying to unload the Kings but that a promising deal had hit a snag because Buss wanted assurance the new owner would keep the team in Los Angeles.

“I will say that I’ve had two legitimate people call, and for some reason they were convinced that I was selling,” Buss said. “One even wanted to talk terms and down payment.

“Somebody is spreading that rumor, but the answer is that they’re not for sale. . . . I’m definitely not selling.”

Said Rogie Vachon, the Kings’ general manager: “I haven’t heard anything about (a possible sale). It would be a surprise to me, too.”

Buss bought the Kings, Lakers and the Forum in 1979 for $67.5 million.

The Kings finished with the second-worst record in the NHL in 1985-86 and missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons. They have the second pick in the NHL draft, which will be held June 21 at Montreal.