10:02pm CST: Jim and Johnny Buss’ lawyer, Robert Sacks, told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that they were never trying to oust Jeanie as controlling owner. To the contrary, Sacks says, Jim and Johnny have informed Jeanie “orally and in writing” that they support her as the controlling owner of the Lakers (Twitter links). Sacks added “I can tell you, Jim Buss and Johnny Buss, as co-trustees, who vote shares in the Lakers, support Jeanie as the controlling owner.” (Twitter link)
5:29pm CST: Jeanie Buss has thwarted initial attempts from her brothers, Jim and Johnny, at a takeover of franchise control, according to a report from Nathan Fenno and Bill Plaschke of the L.A. Times (article link). Jeanie Buss’ attorneys sought a temporary restraining order Friday to prevent the brothers from holding a meeting to elect a new board of directors.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Jeanie Buss’ restraining order alleged that Jim and Johnny “were acting in breach of their fiduciary duties as trustees.” Jeanie’s lawyers pushed for a trial to resolve the matter, and a court date has been set for May 15 (Twitter links).
On February 21, Jim Buss was relieved of his duties as executive VP of basketball operations, being replaced by Magic Johnson. At the time, Jeanie Buss announced “Today I took a series of actions I believe will return the Lakers to the heights Dr. Jerry Buss demanded and our fans rightly expect. Together, Earvin, Luke and our new General Manager will establish the foundation for the next generation of Los Angeles Lakers greatness.”
Johnny Buss remains the head of corporate development for the Lakers, and- per Fenno and Plaschke- notified Jeanie of his intent to elect a new board of directors three days ago. Jeanie Buss’ lawyer, Adam Streisand, delivered a statement in response to the attempted coup.
“This is no doubt the beginning and not the end of the game-playing,” Streisand said. “They don’t have a legal leg to stand on. This is a legal strategy doomed for failure.”
Thanksgiving dinner will be very uncomfortable this year, I bet.
Good for her. I’m glad she’s standing up and doing what’s best for the organization. It’s a lot bigger than a family. It’s about the organization, fans, and most importantly, the players. Hope the lakers can get out of this rut. The loyal fans deserve better.
Are you suggesting the lakers should be more important to her than her own family? Cause I think you have that backwards.
Family is important but not if they are hurting what their dad build. Who cares if your family in any business you do what best for business. Jim and Johnny are just being butt hurt that Jim was fired.
She’s the only sane one in the family. Hopefully Jim
Jim and Johnny are ousted***
She gave jim a chance to prove himself and now she doing what she feel best for business Jim just butt hurt over it. He still part owner it be worse if he had nothing. I don’t want the buss brother ruining the team.
I stand by Jeanie in whatever she does. I don’t want the buss brothers running what their dad work hard to built
Family is totally overrated, plus it’s gonna be fun watching them tear the Fakers up.
you got all us laker fans with that one. You’re so clever…….
Ugh trying to be clever by combining/misspelling words… can anyone say newspeak? The left is hilarious.