LA Lakers Owner Jerry Buss Dies

After celebrating at this year's All-Star Weekend, the NBA, its players, staff and family members are now in mourning following the death of Los Angeles Lakers' owner Jerry Buss.

The 79-year old veteran of the league helped the Lakers to win 10 NBA championships throughout his career and set trends for other coaches to follow. He helped the league grow commercially and transform NBA games into major events.

According to a spokesperson for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Buss died at 5:55 a.m. Earlier in the week, sources confirmed that Buss had been hospitalized at the hospital with undisclosed form of cancer.

"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."

VIBE sends its prayers to the Buss family.