NBA world reacts to Jerry Buss’ death

Jerry Buss, the longtime Lakers owner who led the franchise to 10 NBA championships, died Monday. He was 80.

“The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come,” NBA commissioner David Stern said. “More importantly, we have lost a dear and valued friend. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

Former Lakers, current NBA players and owners, reporters and celebrity Lakers fans were among those who took to Twitter to express their condolences and offer their thoughts on Buss, who bought the team in 1979. Here’s a sampling:

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

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

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

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

#RIP Jerry Buss.—
LeBron James (@KingJames) February 18, 2013

Really sorry to hear about Dr. Buss. Jerry R.I.P. my friend—
Micky Arison (@MickyArison) February 18, 2013

RIP to the legend Jerry Buss—
Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 18, 2013

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

Huge loss for the @nba and the basketball world. RIP Jerry Buss.—
Kevin Love (@kevinlove) February 18, 2013

Rest peacefully Dr. Buss and may God bless your family. Purple-Gold—
Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 18, 2013

RIP Dr. The Legend Jerry Buss, one of the reason growing up in a LA was great, what you did for the Lakers & the NBA Is legendary.—
Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) February 18, 2013

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

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

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

As great as Jerry Buss was for the Lakers, he was even better to his friends.—
J.A. Adande (@jadande) February 18, 2013

You might not like the Lakers but can't have anything but endless respect for the tenure and legacy of Jerry Buss. RIP—
David Locke (@Lockedonsports) February 18, 2013

Jerry Buss wasn't just the greatest owner in NBA history. He was, arguably, the greatest owner in the history of pro sports. #RIP—
Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) February 18, 2013

While we argue endlessly over the greatest player of all time, the argument for greatest owner is anything but an argument. It's Jerry Buss.—
Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 18, 2013

You hope every player in the NBA understands the debt he owes Jerry Buss, whether he's ever played for the Lakers or not. BK—
Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) February 18, 2013

Jerry Buss bought the Lakers in 1979, drafted Magic Johnson, and has given the world the best show in sports for 34 years.—
Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 18, 2013