The Visionary Goal
Melissa Rohlin, a prominent NBA writer for FOX Sports, recently sat down with Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, to discuss one of the most shocking trades in recent sports history. Since taking over ownership of the Lakers in 2013 following the passing of her father, Jerry Buss, Jeanie has been driven by a singular goal: to make her father proud. When asked about the blockbuster trade that brought Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis on February 1, Jeanie was unequivocal. "He’d be very proud," she told a group of reporters while promoting her Netflix show, "Running Point." Jeanie’s father, a man renowned for his strategic vision and fearlessness, always emphasized the importance of patience in making big moves. "When you get a player of that stature, you have to give up a lot," Jeanie explained. "But my dad was such a great poker player and he always said you had to be ready to go from zero to 100 once you got the right cards. This deal was one he would have made, and we had to be bold to seize the opportunity."
The Emotional Build-Up
The weeks leading up to the trade were fraught with tension and uncertainty. Jeanie, alongside Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, worked tirelessly to ensure that the deal remained under wraps. Only four individuals had knowledge of the impending trade: the general managers and owners of both the Lakers and the Mavericks. Jeanie was acutely aware of the potential repercussions if the deal were to leak prematurely. "These things fall apart all the time," she noted. "It was crucial that we didn’t blow up the team. If the trade had leaked and not gone through, it would have been incredibly unfair to the coaching staff and the players, causing a massive distraction." Despite the pressure, Jeanie felt a deep sense of pride in the meticulous planning and execution of the trade, which ultimately brought one of the league’s most promising stars to Los Angeles.
Luka Doncic’s Reaction
Luka Doncic, a 25-year-old prodigy who is widely regarded as one of the top three players in the NBA, found himself at the center of this historic trade. Having led the Mavericks to the Finals just last year, Doncic’s departure from Dallas was both unexpected and emotionally charged. When he faced his former team for the first time on a recent Tuesday, Doncic was visibly emotional, achieving his first triple-double with the Lakers: 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. "The closure is going to take a while, I think," Doncic admitted. "It’s not ideal. But, like I said, I’m glad this game is over. There were a lot of emotions. But we go little by little, and every day is better." Despite the initial shock and emotional turmoil, Doncic is slowly finding his footing with the Lakers, a move that promises to reshape the team’s future.
The Lakers’ Recent Success
The Lakers have been on a remarkable winning streak, capturing 16 of their last 20 games and currently holding the fourth position in the Western Conference with a 36-21 record. This surge in performance is a testament to the team’s strong foundation and the potential of their new franchise star. Jeanie Buss, known for her bold and strategic decision-making, is confident that Luka Doncic will anchor the Lakers as a contender for the next decade. Her belief in the team’s ability to make significant moves is rooted in her father’s legacy, and this trade is a clear example of continuing that tradition. Jeanie’s faith in Rob Pelinka, the general manager who orchestrated the deal, highlights the importance of a well-coordinated team effort in achieving such monumental results.
The Netflix Show "Running Point"
In addition to the high-stakes trade, Jeanie Buss is also eagerly anticipating the February 27 debut of "Running Point," a 10-episode Netflix comedy that draws inspiration from her experiences as the Lakers’ owner. Starring Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, a woman appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves—a fictional team with a storied championship history—the show delves into the complexities of running a family-owned business. Jeanie, who served as an executive producer on the series, sees it as a reflection of her own journey. "It’s like a dream come true for me," she enthused. "It’s a lot of fun. It’s not the Lakers’ story or my story, but there are definitely elements inspired by my role and experiences. The characters are warm, funny, and flawed, but they’re a family. And as I’ve learned, working with family often means stepping on each other’s toes." The show offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of managing a professional sports team, making it relatable and engaging for a broad audience.
Balancing Business and Personal Life
Jeanie Buss’ dual roles as a team owner and an executive producer highlight her ability to balance business acumen with personal passions. The timing of the trade and the show’s release has not escaped her notice, and she couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. "Everyone thinks, was this trade done to promote the show?" she said, grinning. "I don’t think so." Jeanie’s commitment to the Lakers and her involvement in "Running Point" demonstrate her multifaceted approach to leadership and her dedication to advancing the team’s legacy. As she continues to navigate the complexities of ownership, Jeanie remains true to her father’s vision, making bold moves and fostering a family-like environment within the Lakers organization. Her journey is a compelling blend of nostalgia, innovation, and leadership, inspiring both fans and fellow business owners alike.
