Jerry Buss, the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers who proved a major force behind the team’s success, has died at the age of 80. ”I really tried to create a Laker image, a distinct identity,” Buss said of his team. “I mean, the Lakers are pretty damn Hollywood.” Buss’ Lakers were by far the most consistently-successful team in the NBA during the 34 years he owned the team, winning 10 championships since 1979, most recently in 2010. (photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times)