Jerry Buss, the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and who led the team to 10 NBA championships, died on Monday, Feb. 18. He was 80-years-old.

Buss, a self-made millionaire who built his fortune in real estate, bought the Lakers in 1979 and his desire for showmanship helped turn the game of basketball into "Showtime." He charted his successful course with marquee players like, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, along with Hall of Fame coaches Pat Riley and Phil Jackson.

Success came quickly. With former Lakers star Jerry West maturing into one of the most gifted general managers in the league, the team won an NBA championship in Buss’ first season. Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Cooper guided the Lakers to five titles.

The Lakers' next title era came with O’Neal; the precocious Bryant, whom they traded for after he was drafted out of high school; and Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] Jackson as coach. The Lakers won three consecutive championships from 2000 through 2002.

The team, though they had proved their worth, lost in the 2004 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons and traded O’Neal to the Miami Heat. At the same time, Jackson walked away. After a few more disappointing seasons, Bryant demanded a trade, but Buss stood firm.

The Lakers, with Jackson back as coach and with Pau Gasol added to the team, defeated Orlando for the 2008-09 title. The following season, they beat Boston for another championship. It was their 10th and final title under Buss.

"Jerry Buss helped set the league on the course it is on today," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "Remember, he showed us it was about 'Showtime,' the notion that an arena can become the focal point for not just basketball, but entertainment. He made it the place to see and be seen."