The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful teams in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA), have had several owners throughout their existence. Let's take a look at the individuals who have owned the Lakers over the years. The team was originally founded in 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the Minneapolis Lakers. At that time, the team was owned by Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen. In their early years, the Lakers achieved great success, winning a total of five championships in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the NBA combined. In 1957, the team was relocated to Los Angeles, California, and became the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers' first owner in Los Angeles was a real estate developer named Bob Short. However, Short only owned the team for a brief period, selling it to Jack Kent Cooke in 1965. Jack Kent Cooke's ownership of the Lakers brought about a lot of success for the franchise. Under his tenure, the Lakers won a total of six championships, solidifying their status as one of the league's premier teams. Cooke's ownership lasted until 1979 when he sold the team to a real estate mogul named Dr. Jerry Buss. Dr. Jerry Buss is arguably the most influential owner in Lakers history. During his ownership, which lasted until his death in 2013, the Lakers won an impressive ten championships. Buss was known for his commitment to building a winning culture and assembling star-studded teams that included the likes of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant. After Dr. Buss passed away, his children took over the ownership of the Lakers. However, there have been some changes in ownership structures over the years. In 2013, the Buss siblings formed a trust, and the team is currently owned by the Buss Family Trust, which includes siblings Jeanie, Jim, Johnny, Joey, and Jesse Buss. The Lakers have a rich history with a distinguished list of owners who have helped shape the team into the powerhouse it is today. From Ben Berger and Morris Chalfen to Dr. Jerry Buss and the Buss family, the Lakers' ownership has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball.