Longtime Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss passed away today at 5:55am after a long illness. He was 80. #RIPDrBuss twitter.com/Lakers/status/…

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013

Full Lakers statement on the passing of Dr. Buss: on.nba.com/WSaGR5 #RIPDrBuss

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013

David Stern: "The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable & will be felt for decades to come."

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013

PHOTOS: Take a look at some of the best photos of Dr. Buss through his years as Lakers owner. on.nba.com/WSbKV2 #RIPDrBuss

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 18, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a great man and an incredible friend.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2013

Lakers Legend, Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Condolences to the Buss family. Dr Buss was not only the greatest sports owner, but a true friend & just a really cool guy. Loved him dearly

— James Worthy (@James_Worthy42) February 18, 2013

Lakers Legend, James Worthy

I'm deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr. Jerry Buss.He was a dear friend, mentor,and brilliant business mind thank u4 8 gr8 yrs

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 18, 2013

Lakers Legend, Shaquille O'Neal

Today is a very sad day for all the Lakers and basketball. All my support and condolences to the Buss family. Rest in peace Dr. Buss.

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 18, 2013

Lakers All-Star, Pau Gasol

I want to share my condolences with the Buss Family as well as my teammates and the Laker family. I had the (cont) tl.gd/l36hu6

— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) February 18, 2013

Lakers All-Star, Dwight Howard

Sad day for the Laker Family... #RIP Jerry Buss

— Jordan Craig Hill (@jordanchill43) February 18, 2013

Lakers Forward, Jordan Hill

Today the world lost a visionary and one of the most successful sports figures of all time. But today I lost a friend and mentor.

— DerekFisher (@derekfisher) February 18, 2013

He forever changed my life. May he rest in peace and my prayers are with his family that he loved so much. #RIPDrBuss

— DerekFisher (@derekfisher) February 18, 2013

Longtime Lakers Guard, Derek Fisher

What a visionary. What a leader. What a friend. Rest in peace Dr. Buss. #Lakers

— A.C. Green (@NBA_Ironman) February 18, 2013

Longtime Lakers Forward, A.C. Green

#RIPDRBUSS THX U 4 being a MAN of your word, including me in your Laker family & setting the bar at CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE BUSS! #FOREVERGRATEFUL

— Rick Fox (@Rickafox) February 18, 2013

Longtime Lakers Forward, Rick Fox

I am so sad to hear Dr. Buss has passed away! I'm so thankful that he gave me a chance to play professional basketball by for the LA Sparks!

— Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) February 18, 2013

LA Sparks Legend, Lisa Leslie

Rest in peace to the gr8est owner in all of sports. Dr.Jerry Buss. #NBA

— nick vanexel (@vanexel31) February 18, 2013

Former Lakers All-Star Guard, Nick Van Exel

Great friend, Boss and winner Dr. Jerry Buss iWill miss u, rest now....thanks 4 all u have done 4 me n my family.

— Cedric Ceballos (@cedceballos) February 18, 2013

Former Lakers Forward, Cedric Ceballos

Thoughts & prayers go out 2 the Buss family over the loss of Mr Jerry Buss. A try pioneer in professional ... tmi.me/KZ6ZA

— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) February 18, 2013

Former Lakers Forward, Matt Barnes

Thoughts and prayers to Jerry Buss's family & friends….great man, great leader, born winner

— Gary Payton (@GaryPayton_20) February 18, 2013

NBA All-Star & Former Lakers Guard, Gary Payton

My thoughts and prayers are with the Buss family. Dr. Jerry Buss was like a Dad to me and is a tremendous loss to @lakers fam. @jeaniebuss

— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) February 18, 2013

NBA Hall of Famer and Former Lakers Forward, Dennis Rodman

I only had a chance to play for Mr. Buss for one year but met him years before that, and he was always 1st Class. LA has lost a Game Changer

— Mitch Richmond(@mitchrichmond23) February 18, 2013

Former Lakers Forward, Mitch Richmond

My main takeaway:Dr. Buss treated EVERYBODY great.He was nice to everybody at the bottom and the top, because he had been both places.

— John Ireland (@LAIreland) February 18, 2013

Radio Play-by-Play Voice, John Ireland

Today we lost the greatest owner in sports. On behalf of my family and I, our condolonces to the Buss family @lakers. RIP Dr. Jerry Buss

— AdrianGarciaMarquez (@AGMLA) February 18, 2013

Spanish TV Play-by-Play Voice, Adrian Garcia Marquez

RIP Dr. Buss. You changed the city of Los Angeles forever. Thank you for giving happiness to so many Lakers fans all over the world.

— Francisco Pinto (@PintoLakers) February 18, 2013

Spanish TV Analyst, Francisco Pinto

I'm deeply saddened over t loss ofDr. Jerry Buss, a great person that I always admired n respected. My condolences to the Buss Family

— Pepe Mantilla (@pepelakers) February 19, 2013

Hoy es un dia muy triste para mi, y para el mundo del baloncesto, hemos perdido a un hombre q a admire y respete siempre. RIP Dr Jerry Buss

— Pepe Mantilla (@pepelakers) February 19, 2013

Spanish Radio Analyst, Pepe Mantilla

Rest in peace, Dr. Buss. I will forever cherish the brief visits and your words of encouragement.

— Spero Dedes (@SperoDedes) February 18, 2013

Former Lakers Radio Play-by-Play Voice, Spero Dedes

Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters at the @lakers organization.Rest in peace, Dr. Buss.

— LA Kings (@LAKings) February 18, 2013

Condolences to the Buss family. RIP to the beloved Dr. Buss. Thank you for your impact in the basketball world & the community. #RIPDrBuss

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) February 18, 2013

The Los Angeles Clippers wish to extend deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Jerry Buss and to the @lakers organization. #RIPDrBuss

— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) February 18, 2013

"On behalf of Suns, our thoughts and prayers are with the Buss family. As an NBA owner, Dr. Buss was in a league of his own." Robert Sarver

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 18, 2013

Our deepest condolences to the Buss and @lakers family. The @nba lost a legend today.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 18, 2013

The #Dodgers extend our deepest sympathies to the Buss family and the @lakers on the passing of one of the greatest owners in NBA history.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 18, 2013

A sad day for Southern California sports. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buss family and the @lakers organization.

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) February 18, 2013

.@staplescenter & @aegworldwide statement on the passing of Dr. Buss bit.ly/UzO1ZB #RIPDrBuss twitter.com/STAPLESCenter/…

— STAPLES Center (@STAPLESCenter) February 18, 2013

We join the @dodgers in mourning the passing of legendary @lakers owner Jerry Buss: atmlb.com/UzurMN

— MLB (@MLB) February 18, 2013

wow. thank you dr. jerry buss for all you have done to uplift los angeles, and give me untold joy. rest in peace

— Flea (@flea333) February 18, 2013

Red Hot Chili Peppers Bassist & Lakers Season Ticket Holder, Flea

Thank you Dr. Buss for putting togethersome of the most soulful and exciting basketball the world will ever see. We're gonna miss you.

— Adam Levine (@adamlevine) February 18, 2013

Maroon 5 Singer & Lakers Fan, Adam Levine

RIP Jerry Buss.Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 18, 2013

Dallas Mavericks Owner, Mark Cuban

Really sorry to hear about Dr. Buss. Jerry R.I.P. my friend

— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) February 18, 2013

Dallas Mavericks Owner, Mark Cuban

On behalf of the entire 76ers organization, we send sincere condolences to the Buss family and all at the Lakers. A great man has left us.

— Adam Aron (@SixersCEOAdam) February 18, 2013

Philadelphia 76ers CEO, Adam Aron

LAX 100-ft pylons currently shine bright purple & gold in commemoration of @lakers Dr. Jerry Buss life & legacy RIP twitter.com/LAX_Official/s…

— LAX Airport (@LAX_Official) February 22, 2013

#RIP Jerry Buss.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 18, 2013

Heat All-Star Forward, Lebron James

RIP to the legend Jerry Buss

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 18, 2013

Thunder All-Star Forward, Kevin Durant

Huge loss for the @nba and the basketball world. RIP Jerry Buss.

— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) February 18, 2013

Timberwolves All-Star Forward, Kevin Love

R.I.P Dr. Buss you were a giant in the industry, and was always there to help and give advice. Your kindness and spirit will be missed!

— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) February 18, 2013

NBA Hall of Famer, Isiah Thomas

R.I.P Jerry Buss

— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) February 18, 2013

Hornets Guard, Eric Gordon

Prayers Go Out To The Buss Family... RIP Dr. Buss...

— Carlos Boozer (@MisterCBooz) February 18, 2013

Bulls Forward, Carlos Boozer

To the entire Buss family and the extended Laker family -- players, staff, & employees -- our thoughts & condolences go out to you all.

— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) February 18, 2013

Forum Blue & Gold Editor Darius Soriano

R.I.P. to the greatest owner in team sports. We all love and will miss you Dr. Buss. Thank you for everything you did for LA & the @lakers

— Laker Nation (@LakerNation) February 18, 2013

Lakers Fan Blog

A sad day for not just the Lakers, but the entire NBA. Dr. Buss was a legend. And the main reason the Lakers are as popular as they are.

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 18, 2013

Lakers Fan Blog

How great was #JerryBuss? NBA has had 3 great front office execs. Two--Red, Jerry West--weren't owners.Among owners, Buss stands alone.

— Mark Heisler (@MarkHeisler) February 18, 2013

Longtime LA Sportswriter, Mark Heisler

Dr. Jerry buss, I will forever be grateful and appreciate all the support you gave me throughout my career. R.I.P.

— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) February 18, 2013

Boxer & LA Native, Oscar De La Hoya

My thoughts & prayers go out to the Buss Family. @staplescenter & @aegworldwide official statement visit: bit.ly/UzO1ZB #RIPDrBuss

— Lee Zeidman (@LeeZeidman) February 18, 2013

STAPLES Center General Manager, Lee Zeidman

My condolences to the Buss family. RIP Jerry

— Jed York (@JedYork) February 18, 2013

San Francisco 49ers CEO, Jed York

My condolences to the Buss family, the Laker fans and to everyone at the NBA - we lost the best professional basketball owner ever today.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 18, 2013

Grantland Editor-in-Chief, Bill Simmons

The Forum & Forum Club. LA Lazers & LA Strings. Some of my favorite things about growing up in SoCal were all made possible by Dr. Buss. RIP

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2013

ESPN Writer, Marc Stein

Dr. Buss gave fans everything they wanted: the best players, the best coaches, and 10 championships.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 18, 2013

NFL Network Anchor, Andrew Siciliano

RIP Jerry Buss, who made those years at the Forum the most outrageous, decadent and fun time a sportswriter could have.

— Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) February 18, 2013

ESPN Columnist, Rick Reilly

I didn't know Jerry Buss personally or speak w/him often, but I know his was a substantial, winning life. My condolences to his family.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 18, 2013

NBA Writer, David Aldridge

Jerry Buss was a renaissance man and a rock star. My favorite line from the obit I was saddened, but blessed, to write.

— Shelley Smith (@ShelleyESPN) February 18, 2013

ESPN Writer, Shelley Smith

Jerry Buss was in it to win it.And understood that just winning in this town wasn't it enough.How you look doing it is critical too. RIP

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 18, 2013

Sports Personality, Jim Rome

Jerry Buss was so cool he should be in the rock and roll hall of fame . He will be missed.

— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 18, 2013

Entertainer, Chris Rock

Dr Buss was a visionary, a leader and good friend. Neither the #NBA or LA will ever be the same.#Lakers

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) February 18, 2013

Actor, Rob Lowe

My thoughts go out to the family of Dr. Jerry Buss. A brilliant team owner who will be sorely missed. MBB

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 19, 2013

Actor, William Shatner

Naismith invented the game.Dr. Buss invented the fun.RIP my friend:we all bow to you.#showtime

— Pat O'Brien (@POBPATOBRIEN) February 18, 2013

TV & Radio Personality, Pat O'Brien

More than just an owner. Sad say because we lost you, Dr. Buss. RIP. twitter.com/JonahHill/stat…

— Jonah Hill (@JonahHill) February 18, 2013

Entertainer, Jonah Hill

Condolences go out to the Buss family, the players & Laker nation for their loss. God Bless.

— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) February 18, 2013

NFL Wide Receiver, Terrell Owens