Lakers Owner Before Jerry Buss: A History

Before the legendary Jerry Buss transformed the Los Angeles Lakers into the glitzy, glamorous, and championship-winning franchise we know today, the team had a rich history under different ownership. Understanding the Lakers owner history before Jerry Buss gives us crucial insights into the team's evolution and the foundation upon which Buss built his dynasty. Let's dive into the fascinating story of who steered the Lakers ship before the iconic Buss era.

Early Days and Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen

The Lakers' story begins not in Los Angeles, but in Minneapolis. In 1947, Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen purchased the Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League (NBL) for $15,000 and moved them to Minneapolis. This marked the birth of the Minneapolis Lakers, named after Minnesota's nickname, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." These initial owners played a pivotal role in establishing the franchise and setting the stage for its future success. The duo immediately made a splash by acquiring the services of George Mikan, a towering center who would become the league's first superstar. Berger and Chalfen's investment in Mikan proved to be a masterstroke, as he led the Lakers to multiple championships in both the NBL and the newly formed National Basketball Association (NBA). Their vision for the team extended beyond just winning games; they understood the importance of building a captivating product that fans would flock to see. They weren't just owners; they were pioneers, navigating the uncharted waters of professional basketball and laying the foundation for a legacy that would endure for decades. Berger and Chalfen’s leadership during those formative years was characterized by a commitment to excellence and a willingness to invest in talent, a strategy that would become a hallmark of the Lakers organization. Their early success not only solidified the Lakers' place in the basketball landscape but also helped to popularize the sport itself, drawing new fans and setting the stage for the NBA's future growth. The challenges they faced in those early days were significant, from navigating the financial uncertainties of a nascent league to building a competitive roster, but their dedication and foresight ultimately paid off, establishing the Lakers as a force to be reckoned with from the very beginning. In essence, Berger and Chalfen were the architects of the Lakers' initial success, setting the stage for the franchise to become one of the most iconic and successful in NBA history. Their contributions often go overlooked in the shadow of later owners like Jerry Buss, but their role in shaping the Lakers' identity cannot be overstated.

Bob Short Takes the Reins

In 1957, Bob Short purchased the Lakers. This marked a significant turning point in the franchise's history. Short's ownership was characterized by both ambition and financial challenges. While he aimed to maintain the Lakers' winning tradition, he also faced mounting financial pressures that ultimately led to a momentous decision: relocating the team to Los Angeles in 1960. This move was a gamble, as professional basketball was still gaining traction on the West Coast. However, Short recognized the potential of the Los Angeles market, with its burgeoning population and entertainment industry. He envisioned the Lakers becoming a major draw in the city, a vision that would eventually come to fruition. Short's decision to move the team was not without its critics, particularly among loyal fans in Minneapolis who felt betrayed by the relocation. However, from a business perspective, it was a necessary step to ensure the Lakers' long-term survival and success. The move to Los Angeles injected new life into the franchise, attracting a wider audience and opening up new revenue streams. Short's tenure as owner was a period of transition and transformation for the Lakers. He not only oversaw the relocation of the team but also played a crucial role in shaping its identity in its new home. He understood the importance of star power in attracting fans and was instrumental in acquiring players like Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, who would become cornerstones of the Lakers' success in the 1960s. While the Lakers struggled to win a championship during Short's ownership, they remained a competitive team and a major attraction in Los Angeles. Short's legacy is complex, marked by both his financial struggles and his vision for the team's future. He took a significant risk by moving the Lakers to Los Angeles, but it was a risk that ultimately paid off, setting the stage for the franchise to become a global powerhouse. In many ways, Short's ownership laid the groundwork for the Lakers' eventual dynasty under Jerry Buss, proving that sometimes, the boldest moves are the ones that yield the greatest rewards. His contributions, though often overshadowed by later successes, were crucial in shaping the Lakers into the team we know and love today.

Jack Kent Cooke and the Championship Drought

Jack Kent Cooke acquired the Lakers in 1965, ushering in an era of both excitement and frustration. Cooke was a flamboyant and ambitious owner, known for his grand vision and willingness to invest in his teams. He built the Forum, a state-of-the-art arena that became the Lakers' iconic home for decades, solidifying their presence in Los Angeles. Cooke's tenure, despite its glitz and glamour, was marked by a frustrating championship drought. The Lakers, led by stars like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, consistently reached the NBA Finals but repeatedly fell short, often losing to their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics. These near-misses became a defining characteristic of the Cooke era, fueling the team's and its fans' hunger for a championship. Cooke's ambition extended beyond just winning games; he wanted to create a spectacle, an experience that would draw fans and elevate the Lakers' brand. The Forum became a symbol of this ambition, a glamorous venue that attracted celebrities and solidified the Lakers' image as a team of stars. Cooke's focus on entertainment and marketing helped to build the Lakers' fan base and solidify their place in the Los Angeles sports landscape. However, the lack of a championship weighed heavily on Cooke and the team. The Lakers' repeated failures in the Finals became a source of frustration and fueled the narrative that the team was cursed. Despite the presence of legendary players and a supportive owner, the elusive championship remained just out of reach. Cooke's ownership was a fascinating mix of highs and lows. He built a glamorous image for the Lakers and established them as a major force in the NBA, but he was ultimately unable to deliver the championship that he and the fans so desperately craved. His legacy is one of ambition, investment, and near-misses, a chapter in the Lakers' history that set the stage for the eventual triumph that would come under Jerry Buss. In many ways, Cooke's era served as a crucial learning experience for the Lakers organization, highlighting the importance of not only star power and financial investment but also the intangible factors that contribute to championship success, such as team chemistry, coaching, and a little bit of luck.

The Sale to Jerry Buss: A New Era Begins

In 1979, a seismic shift occurred in the Lakers' history: Jerry Buss purchased the team from Jack Kent Cooke. This acquisition marked the beginning of what many consider the golden era of Lakers basketball. Buss brought a unique vision to the franchise, blending basketball excellence with Hollywood entertainment. He transformed Lakers games into spectacles, attracting celebrities and creating a vibrant atmosphere that made the Forum the place to be in Los Angeles. His ownership ushered in the