JoAnn Buss, the mother of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and the ex-wife of former team president Jerry Buss, has passed away.
The team's social media account announced the passing of JoAnn on Monday night. There was an out pour of support from numerous Lakers legends, including Magic Johnson and LeBron James.
James immediately took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Jeanie's mother.
My condolences and prayers goes out to @JeanieBuss and the entire Buss family on their lost! #LakerNation stands as 1 with you guys during your difficult time! 🙏🏾💜💛
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 17, 2019
Johnson was a close friend of JoAnn and also immediately took to Twitter to make sure his condolences were seen.
I was saddened to hear the news that JoAnn Buss, mother of Jeanie, Johnny, Jim and Janie, and wife of Dr. Buss, has passed away. She was an incredible friend and woman. Cookie and I are glad she was a part of our lives for more than 40 years.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 16, 2019
As Chris Cwik of Yahoo Sports notes, JoAnn met former Lakers owner Jerry Buss while the two were at the University of Wyoming. The couple had four children before divorcing in 1972.
“Buss was married to former Lakers president Jerry Buss. The two met at the University of Wyoming. The couple had four children — including current Lakers president Jeanie Buss — before they got divorced in 1972.
The Buss family has asked people to donate to the American Cancer Society in lieu of sending flowers.”
Seven years after divorcing JoAnn, Dr. Buss purchased the Lakers along with the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL and the Forum arena. The Lakers won ten titles during the course of his ownership. Dr. Buss passed away in February of 2013.
Our condolences go out to the Buss family in this time of mourning.