Asked on the occasion of the release of the documentary “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers” about her ambitions for the future of her franchise, Jeanie Buss reaffirmed that only winning titles counted in her eyes. The owner of the Angelinos therefore keeps the same course that already guided her father in 1979: to exceed the Celtics in the number of banners hanging from the ceiling.
It’s a family story that now transcends one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. Current owner of the Lakers, Jeanie Buss inherited the management of the franchise in 2013, on the death of her father Jerry, a historic figure of Purple & Gold. When he took charge of Los Angeles in 1979, the objective was clear: to surpass Boston in terms of titles won. Well, at the time, we’re not going to lie to each other, people were rather skeptical about the feasibility of such a project.
It must be said that the Angelinos then had six titles, against thirteen for the Celtics, more than double. More than a hole, there is therefore a chasm to be filled in order to hope to catch up with this already substantial delay. Well guess what? Yes, today, LA has almost succeeded in realizing the dream of the late Jerry Buss. With their victory in 2020 in the bubble, LeBron James’s band won the 17th franchise title, catching up with Boston, which now does not have one more or less. And even if Golden State seems very fit having climbed on the third step of the ranking this year, it is not with its seven banners that the Bay is likely to compete. Jeanie Buss therefore returned to this historic duel at the microphone of Chris Haynes from Yahoo Sports on the occasion of the release of the documentary “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers“, thus showing his determination to continue the “quest” of his father:
“When he started, he wanted to take on Boston and their winning streak. Now, with this number 17 ring, we are tied with the Celtics in terms of wins (titles). This is the goal he had set himself. And it is certain that the work is not yet done. We must pursue this quest, and we will. — Jeanie Buss
No question of changing course therefore, the priority is to win an 18th title, and this before Boston. This is perhaps where things get a bit tricky. Because if you’ve been following the NBA a little bit lately, it hasn’t escaped your notice that one franchise has come closer than the other to regaining the lead in the standings this season. Yeah, while the Lakers were taking it easy in Cancún last June after a rather pitiful 2021-22 fiscal year, the Celtics were passing a Stephen Curry close to climbing to the roof of the League. And judging by the rosters of the two franchises, it seems that as things stand, the 2022-23 season can start again on the same bases. Do not count on Jeanie Buss to praise her Lakers unnecessarily, since the latter recently affirmed during a trailer for NBA 2K23 that ” Michael Jordan is the GOAT“, much to the delight of our friend LeBron James. Last month, the owner had already looked back on the past season, but also on her confidence in the future and the standards she imposed on the organization she leads:
“Work hard, be in the hunt for the title and do everything in our power to put ourselves in a position to win the championship. My father bought the Lakers with the idea of being able to compete with the Celtics and make the Lakers a team that matters in the NBA. I feel like I lived up to its legacy by bringing us even closer. But we can’t win another title if we don’t make the Playoffs. We are not even in competition for that. Last year was a terrible disappointment. But once again, I have confidence in our organization and its members who will do better than last year. — Jeanie Buss
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss calls Jordan the GOAT ???? pic.twitter.com/OFQr43t6j1
— FootBasket™.com (@Foot_Basket) August 12, 2022
« There is still a lot to write in the history of the Lakers, and it would be done with new players and new coaches. Jeanie Buss has never had her tongue in her pocket, and therefore remains very clear about the objectives to be achieved and the need to achieve them. Now at the head of a workforce with high potential on paper but disappointing on the floors, Darvin Ham will therefore have the immense task of putting the Lakers back on top of the world. We wish him good luck.
Source texte : Yahoo Sports / Lakers Nation / NBA / The Sport Rush
