Our city lost an incredible man today.

Dr. Jerry Buss, legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, died this morning at age 80. In a city full of people trying to reach the top, Dr. Buss was the top.

Flags are flying at half-mast and millions are mourning the loss of this local hero.

“Today we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a man who helped shape the modern landscape of sports in LA…” – L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

“He forever changed my life. May he rest in peace and my prayers are with his family that he loved so much. Today the world lost a visionary and one of the most successful sports figures of all time. But today I lost a friend and mentor.” – Derek Fisher

“When someone as celebrated and charismatic as Jerry Buss dies, we are reminded of two things. First, just how much one person with vision and strength of will can accomplish. Second, how fragile each of us is, regardless of how powerful we were. Those two things combine to inspire us to reach for the stars, but also to remain with our feet firmly on the ground among our loved ones. Dr. Buss embodied that compassionate entrepreneurial spirit. He strove to reach greater heights without forgetting his community roots. During his stewardship, the Lakers exemplified his personal standards of excellence and became one of the dominant teams in the NBA and a force of good within the community. The man may be gone, but he has made us all better people for knowing him.” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

“I’m deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a dear friend, mentor, and brilliant business mind thank u 4 8 gr8 yrs.” – Shaquille O’Neal via Twitter

“This is an extremely sad day for me. As I have said many times, I have been blessed to work for Jerry Buss, the most successful owner in basketball history. His incredible commitment and desire to build a championship-caliber team that could sustain success over a long period of time has been unmatched…With all of his achievements, Jerry was without a doubt one of the most humble men I’ve ever been around.” – Jerry West

“RIP Jerry Buss. Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.” –Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner

WOW! Where do I begin?! I was 19 when I first met Dr. Buss and for 34yrs he has been a father figure and best friend…I will always remember Dr. Buss’ big smile, his love for the Lakers, for poker & billiards, for the City of LA and for beautiful women. – Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“He’s meant everything to me in my career in terms of taking a risk on a 17-year-old kid coming out of high school and then believing in me my entire career. And then for the game itself, the brand of basketball that he implemented in Showtime carried the league.” – Kobe Bryant

“Jerry Buss was so cool he should be in the rock and roll hall of fame. He will be missed.” – Comedian Chris Rock

“Thank you Dr. Buss for putting together some of the most soulful and exciting basketball the world will ever see. We’re gonna miss you.” – Adam Levine, Maroon 5

“More than just an owner. Sad say because we lost YOU, Dr. Buss. RIP.” – Actor Jonah Hill

Thank you for building our city an empire. You will be missed far and wide.

xo

PS – If you come across any other nice quotes, feel free to share them here.