In a surprising revelation during the LA Lakers documentary “Legacy,” it was disclosed that team owner Jeanie Buss had an older sister, Lee Klose, who was given up for adoption by their parents, Dr. Jerry Buss and JoAnn Mueller. The revelation came to light in an interview with Graham Besinger, where Jeanie Buss shared the emotional journey of discovering her long-lost sister.
“When my dad passed away in 2013, my mom called me, and she was at the beginning of her dementia. She told me the story about when they were first married that they had given up a child for adoption, and she said that they gave away the child because she was a girl.”
“So like, ‘Okay that doesn’t make sense.’ I go, ‘Well, if you gave her away cause she was a girl, why did you keep me?”
“And she goes, “I don’t know.’ Like okay well, ‘Why are you telling me? Do you want me to go find her?’ She goes, ‘No, I just needed you to know.'” (0:08)
Jeanie learned about Lee Klose when her mother, who was grappling with Alzheimer’s, disclosed the family secret after Dr. Buss’s passing in 2013. According to Jeanie, her parents gave away Lee because she was a girl, a fact that left her stunned.
Several years later, Lee Klose discovered her adoption papers, confirming her biological connection to Dr. Jerry Buss and JoAnn Mueller. In a heartfelt email to Jeanie, Lee informed her sister about their shared sibling. This revelation prompted Jeanie to facilitate a meeting between Lee and their mother, allowing them to connect before JoAnn’s passing in 2019.
The unfolding of this family story adds a poignant layer to Jeanie Buss’s personal history and underscores the complex dynamics that can exist within families, even those in the public eye.
How Many Brothers And Sisters Jeanie Buss Have?
Jeanie Buss, born in Santa Monica, California, holds a significant place in the sports world as the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers. In her personal life, she is the third of four children born to Joann and Jerry Buss. While being one of two daughters, Jeanie grew up with two older brothers, Johnny and Jim, and a younger sister named Janie.
This family dynamic played a crucial role in shaping Jeanie’s upbringing and perhaps contributed to her deep involvement in the world of basketball. Growing up surrounded by siblings with diverse personalities and interests likely fostered a competitive and driven spirit within her. Her brothers, Johnny and Jim, and sister Janie, likely played influential roles in her life, providing support and encouragement as she pursued her passion for sports management.
Understanding Jeanie Buss’s familial background sheds light on the influences that have shaped her into the accomplished sports executive she is today. The bond with her brothers and sister may have played a part in instilling the values of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership that have become synonymous with her successful tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jeanie Buss Fired Her Brother Jim Buss
Jeanie Buss, the influential owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, made a significant and challenging decision to fire her brother, Jim Buss, during the 2016-2017 NBA season. The decision stemmed from concerns about Jim Buss’s performance, particularly related to the team’s trajectory, unsuccessful attempts to attract free agents and a perceived focus on tanking and acquiring draft picks. Jeanie expressed worry that her brother might make trades that could further hinder the team’s recovery. The breaking point came during trade negotiations with the Kings, where Jim and then-General Manager Mitch Kupchak pursued a deal for DeMarcus Cousins without Jeanie’s knowledge.
To navigate the challenging situation, Jeanie enlisted the help of Magic Johnson, ultimately appointing him as the head of basketball operations. Despite legal challenges from Jim Buss, Jeanie’s authority was upheld by the court, reinforcing her commitment to being the accountable and protective leader of the Lakers.
Jeanie Buss’s decision proved pivotal for the franchise, as it set the stage for the subsequent hires of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, leading to the acquisition of star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis and, ultimately, the Lakers’ 17th NBA championship in 2020. The move showcased Jeanie’s dedication to safeguarding the Lakers’ legacy and her willingness to make tough decisions for the team’s success.
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