Shaquille O’Neal, former Los Angeles Lakers center and current television analyst, speaks at a memorial service for Jerry Buss, the late Lakers owner who died Monday from cancer complications, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
LOS ANGELES — Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Jerry West were among a host of basketball greats who gathered to remember the life and legacy of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
They spoke at a memorial service held Thursday for Buss, who died this week at 80 after an 18-month struggle with cancer. The stage at the Nokia Theatre across from Staples Center was bedecked with all 10 of the NBA championship trophies won by the Lakers under Buss and more than 30 floral arrangements.
Johnson punctuated the 1 1/2-hour service by getting the audience on its feet, clapping and cheering for Buss. “He didn’t like it sad, he wanted it to be fun,” Johnson said.