Jeanie Buss, the president of the Lakers, already considered life to be a comedy.

Jeanie Buss, the president and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, is a well-known figure in the sports world. As the head of one of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, her role is multifaceted, navigating the intersection of business, basketball, and a rich legacy of championship-winning success. But what sets Jeanie Buss apart from many other executives is not just her success in leading the Lakers to continue their prominence, but her unique perspective on life. For Jeanie, life isn’t just about hard-nosed business or the pressure of maintaining a multi-billion-dollar sports empire. In fact, she often approaches both her professional and personal life with a sense of humor—seeing the world as a comedy.

Jeanie’s sense of humor has allowed her to navigate the many ups and downs of owning the Lakers, managing personalities, and facing the immense pressure that comes with the territory. From inheriting the Lakers empire after her father, Jerry Buss, passed away to becoming a public face of one of the most scrutinized sports franchises in the world, Jeanie has remained poised, humorous, and always ready to bring lightness to even the most challenging of situations. This article dives into how Jeanie Buss, with her distinctive outlook on life, has led the Lakers through decades of success, challenges, and changes—all while maintaining her ability to see the world as a comedy.

1. Jeanie Buss’ Journey to Becoming Lakers President

Jeanie Buss didn’t have a traditional path to becoming the president of the Lakers. While she grew up in the world of basketball, courtesy of her father Jerry Buss, who bought the Lakers in 1979, Jeanie was more than just a daughter of a successful businessman. She was, and remains, a passionate basketball fan with a deep understanding of the sport. Her journey to the top of the Lakers franchise began with her involvement in the family business, learning the ropes of sports management from a young age.

Jeanie started by earning a degree in business from the University of Southern California, before becoming involved in the day-to-day operations of the Lakers. Despite being a woman in a male-dominated world, she proved herself as a capable leader early on. Her strategic approach to management and her unique understanding of the Lakers’ brand and culture made her an asset to the organization. Over time, Jeanie ascended to the position of president and co-owner, succeeding her father Jerry Buss following his passing in 2013.

Despite her impressive professional trajectory, Jeanie’s journey was not without challenges. The Lakers, who had been the most dominant team in basketball during her father’s tenure, went through periods of rebuilding and internal turmoil, especially after Kobe Bryant’s retirement. The team faced a series of leadership challenges, from coaching changes to management conflicts. Through all of this, Jeanie remained calm and collected—her sense of humor acting as both a shield and a strategy.

2. A Comic Perspective in the Business of Basketball

While Jeanie’s role as the head of a professional sports franchise requires a keen sense of strategy, diplomacy, and leadership, her approach is often marked by a comedic perspective. In an industry where executives are often seen as stoic and serious, Jeanie has always found a way to make her leadership style stand out by maintaining a lighthearted and relatable approach. This has made her one of the most beloved figures in the sports world—known for her infectious laughter, wit, and candid interviews.

One of the best examples of Jeanie’s comedic view of life came in 2018, when the Lakers were amidst a significant transformation. The team had just signed LeBron James to a four-year deal, a move that placed the Lakers in the championship conversation once again. However, with the arrival of LeBron came added media attention, increased pressure, and high expectations from fans. Instead of being overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment, Jeanie approached the situation with her trademark humor, saying that “life is like a comedy” and that she “just tries to enjoy the ride.”

Jeanie’s ability to laugh at herself and the absurdity of the high-stakes world she operates in has made her a refreshing presence in a world often defined by stress and competition. She has learned to take setbacks in stride, viewing them not as failures but as opportunities to learn and grow. This sense of humor allows her to deal with media scrutiny and management drama with a level of grace that few others in her position could replicate.

3. Jeanie Buss and the NBA’s Evolving Landscape

In her tenure as the Lakers’ president, Jeanie Buss has had to navigate a rapidly evolving NBA landscape. With superstars like LeBron James joining the Lakers, the changing dynamics of the league, and the growing influence of social media, Jeanie was thrust into an environment that demanded both traditional leadership and an understanding of modern media and technology. While many executives would view these changes as obstacles, Jeanie found them to be opportunities to rethink how the Lakers should be run—not just as a basketball team, but as a brand.

Jeanie has been very candid about her experiences in handling the evolution of the team, including the challenges that arose from working with star players, balancing personalities, and dealing with high expectations. But rather than being intimidated by the high pressure, Jeanie embraced it with her signature humor. For example, when the Lakers hired head coach Frank Vogel in 2019, many questioned the decision given the high-profile nature of the Lakers’ roster, including the presence of LeBron James. Rather than being defensive, Jeanie simply remarked, “We’ve got LeBron; he’s going to make everyone better.” In this way, Jeanie showed that she understood the gravity of the situation but was confident in her ability to handle it.

Jeanie’s humor also plays a crucial role when dealing with the media. The Lakers are one of the most closely watched sports teams in the world, and every move they make is under intense scrutiny. Jeanie, however, doesn’t shy away from the attention. She often appears on podcasts, talk shows, and social media, offering witty and candid insights into the world of the Lakers. She isn’t afraid to laugh at herself or admit to mistakes, which has only endeared her further to the public.

4. Managing Personalities and Expectations in Hollywood

Another aspect of Jeanie Buss’ leadership that aligns with her comedic view of life is her ability to manage the larger-than-life personalities that surround the Lakers organization. Whether it’s LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or the ever-controversial figure of Magic Johnson, Jeanie has learned to balance the egos of some of the world’s biggest stars while also maintaining the integrity of the Lakers brand.

One of the most famous instances where Jeanie’s comedic approach shone through was during the Magic Johnson drama in 2019. Magic, a Lakers legend, resigned from his position as president of basketball operations unexpectedly, creating a stir throughout the NBA. While some may have seen this as a crisis, Jeanie approached it with remarkable composure. When asked about the sudden departure, she responded with a laugh, saying, “In Hollywood, nothing is ever boring.” This kind of self-aware humor not only softened the blow but also reminded everyone that, at the end of the day, basketball is just a game—and Jeanie understood the entertainment value in even the most chaotic moments.

Managing the expectations of the Lakers fanbase is no small feat. With 17 NBA championships under their belt, the Lakers are expected to win, and win often. Jeanie has often acknowledged the heavy burden that comes with this legacy, but she approaches it with humor and perspective. In interviews, she’s joked about the “pressure cooker” environment of being a Lakers executive, but she has also embraced it, saying that it’s one of the reasons she loves the job. She is acutely aware that every win and loss is amplified when it comes to the Lakers, and yet, rather than buckling under the weight of these expectations, Jeanie has learned to find the humor in it all.

5. LeBron James and Jeanie Buss: A Unique Relationship

One of the most significant moments in Jeanie Buss’ leadership came with the signing of LeBron James in 2018. LeBron’s arrival in Los Angeles was a seismic event, not only because of his on-court impact but also because of the cultural and business implications for the Lakers. The entire franchise was thrust into a new era, and Jeanie took on the responsibility of guiding the team with LeBron at the helm.

Throughout LeBron’s time with the Lakers, Jeanie has demonstrated a unique relationship with him—one built on mutual respect, understanding, and, of course, humor. In interviews, she often shares stories about her conversations with LeBron, who is known for his playful demeanor and leadership qualities. Jeanie has joked about LeBron’s ability to keep things light in the locker room, even when the pressure is on. “He’s the first to make a joke or break the tension when things get serious,” she said in an interview. “Sometimes, we all need that reminder that basketball is a game, and we should enjoy it.”

This lightheartedness in their relationship has extended to many public moments. For example, during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, when LeBron was named Finals MVP, Jeanie shared her thoughts on his leadership with humor. “He’s a force of nature, and I’m glad he’s on our team,” she said with a grin, adding, “But we can’t let him get too comfortable. He’s going to need to win a few more before he’s truly a Laker legend.”

 Jeanie Buss’ Legacy of Leadership and Humor

Jeanie Buss’ ability to navigate the complexities of life as the president of the Los Angeles Lakers while maintaining her sense of humor is a testament to her leadership style. In an industry that often takes itself too seriously, Jeanie’s comedic approach has made her not only an effective executive but also a beloved figure in the NBA community.

Her humor allows her to remain grounded amidst the pressures of running a billion-dollar organization, managing legendary players, and upholding the Lakers’ prestigious legacy. More importantly, Jeanie’s approach reminds us all that, while success and achievement are vital, life—especially in the world of professional sports—is ultimately a comedy, and we should try to enjoy the ride.