Ever wondered who’s quietly shaping the future of one of basketball’s most legendary franchises? Meet Jesse Buss – the youngest son of Lakers legend Jerry Buss, who’s carving out his own impressive legacy in the world of professional basketball and business.
Who is Jesse Buss?
Jesse Buss is an American businessman, investor, and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, serving as the team’s Director of Scouting and Assistant General Manager. Born in 1988, he’s the youngest member of the famous Buss family dynasty and has been instrumental in maintaining the Lakers’ championship culture.
As the son of the late Jerry Buss – the visionary owner who transformed the Lakers into a global basketball powerhouse – Jesse has inherited not just wealth, but a passion for excellence that continues to drive the franchise forward.
Quick Profile Overview
| Full Name | Jesse Buss |
| Age | 37 years (as of 2025) |
| Born | 1988, United States |
| Occupation | Businessman, Lakers Co-Owner, Director of Scouting |
| Net Worth | Estimated $399.3 million |
| Wife | Sarah Jordan |
| Children | Jaden Noah Buss, Ashton Hatten Buss |
Biography
Jesse Buss was born in 1988 to Jerry Buss and Karen Demel. Unlike his father’s marriage to JoAnn Mueller, Jerry and Karen never married but maintained a long-term relationship that produced two sons – Jesse and his older brother Joey Buss (born 1985).
Growing up in Los Angeles, Jesse was surrounded by basketball royalty. His father, Jerry Buss, purchased the Lakers, Kings, and The Forum for a combined $67.5 million in 1979, setting the stage for one of the most successful sports dynasties in history.
Jesse belongs to a large blended family:
Full Brother:
- Joey Buss (born 1985)
Half-Siblings from Jerry’s marriage to JoAnn Mueller:
- Jim Buss (born 1959)
- Jeanie Buss (born 1961) – Current Lakers controlling owner
- Janie Buss (born 1963)
- Johnny Buss (born 1965)
Jesse received his education at prestigious American institutions, though specific details about his schools remain private. What we do know is that his real education came courtside, watching countless NBA games with his father and absorbing lessons about basketball, business, and winning mentality.
“I learned many things from my dad such as work ethic, and that when it comes to basketball, winning is everything,” Jesse has said about his upbringing.
Career
Jesse’s career path wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. He’s worked his way up through the Lakers organization, earning respect through his basketball knowledge and business acumen. Today, he holds multiple crucial roles:
- Co-Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
- Director of Scouting
- Assistant General Manager
Jesse has proven himself as a savvy investor outside of basketball.
- Purchased a Brentwood mansion for $9.75 million in November 2018
- Sold the same property for $10.7 million in October 2021
- The home was located just streets away from LeBron James’ $23 million estate
Jesse’s passion extends beyond professional basketball. He’s actively involved in youth development through:
- Running the Left Coast Legends AAU team
- Building basketball facilities at Bel-Air Presbyterian Church
- Mentoring young players and sharing his basketball knowledge
“I just have a great passion for the game, and that has been ignited further due to both of my sons,” Jesse explains about his commitment to youth basketball.
Personal Life
Jesse is married to long-term partner Sarah Jordan. Got married in December 2023 – they went public with their romance on 9th April 2019. The couple lives together in Los Angeles with their children.
Children
Jesse is a proud father of two sons:
- Jaden Noah Buss – Born 22nd February 2016 (from a previous relationship with Jordanna Younger)
- Ashton Buss – Born 10th April 2020 (with Sarah Jordan)
Lifestyle and Residence
The family lives in Los Angeles, where Jesse maintains close ties to the Lakers organization. His previous Brentwood mansion featured:
- 6,500 square feet of luxury living space
- Six bedrooms and nine bathrooms
- Infinity pool and spa
- Home theatre and yoga room
- Three stories with epic city views
Net Worth
Jesse Buss’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $399.3 million as of 2024. This wealth comes from multiple sources:
Primary Income Sources:
- Lakers ownership stake inherited from his father
- Executive salary as Director of Scouting and Assistant GM
- Property investments and business ventures
- Inheritance from Jerry Buss’s estate
The Lakers franchise alone is valued at over $5 billion, making the Buss family’s combined ownership extremely valuable.
Jerry Buss Legacy
Understanding Jesse requires understanding his father’s incredible legacy. Jerry Buss transformed the Lakers into “Showtime,” winning 10 NBA championships during the 1980s and earning induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
When Jerry passed away on 18th February 2013 from kidney failure, he left behind a sports empire and a family committed to continuing his vision of excellence.
Jesse’s influence on the modern Lakers shouldn’t be underestimated. As Director of Scouting, he’s helped identify and evaluate talent that contributed to the team’s 2020 NBA championship – their first title in the “bubble” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His scouting expertise and basketball IQ, developed through years of learning from his father and working within the organization, continue to shape the team’s future.
