Bath Family Alchemy: Mortgage 11 apartments for Lakers, cashing out 10 billion yuan in 46 years

The process of the Buss family (especially founder Jerry Bass) acquiring the Lakers in 1979 is a legend in sports business history. The difficulty is reflected in multiple levels such as fundraising, timing and strategic vision. The following is a detailed review of AI based on public information:

1. Funding preparation: a desperate bet

huge gap and countdown pressure: In 1979, former Lakers boss Jack Kent Cook decided to sell the team, the NHL Los Angeles Kings and the Forum Arena, with a package price of 67.5 million US dollars (of which the Lakers' valuation is about 18 million). With only 15 hours left to trade, Bass is still $2.7 million away. He urgently contacted real estate tycoon Donald Sterling (later becoming the Clippers boss) and persuaded the other party to buy 11 apartments under his name before collecting all the funds.

Bet on all wealth: Bass invested most of the wealth accumulated by the real estate business into this acquisition, and even transferred the equity of the ice hockey team at a low price to focus on managing the Lakers. It can be seen that it is determined to go all out. Industry doubts: Foresight against the trend

The "unpopular" era of the sports industry: In the late 1970s, professional sports was not widely regarded as a profitable industry. Cook's high asking price has been questioned by most people, but Bass firmly believes in the potential of sports entertainment, and is especially optimistic about the combination of the Los Angeles market and Hollywood culture.

The challenge of "outsider": Bass, who was a doctor of chemical engineering, was regarded as an "outsider" in the NBA circle, and veterans such as Bill Sharman (a Celtic legend) at the time, were resistant to his decision-making. For example, Bass insisted on choosing the Magician Johnson, who was 2.06 meters tall, instead of the more secure Moncliffe, which caused internal controversy.

3. Take over the mess: Reconstruction in chaos

Management vacuum and draft dilemma: The Lakers were in a state of no ownership when they acquired: holding the No. 1 pick but no one made a decision; the coach was reimbursed due to a car accident; the team only had one championship in 20 years, and was suppressed by the Celtics for a long time.

Pain of power change: After taking office, Bass bypassed Sarman and directly relied on young assistant Jerry West (later becoming the "Godfather of the Lakers"), and struggling to fire coach Wested, who clashed with the Magician, to establish a management style of "star first", but it also intensified the conflict with the elders.

4. Transformative business: Laying the genes of wealthy families

Hollywood-style entertainment revolution: Bass injects the entertainment genes of the Alma mater of Southern Canada into the Lakers: Hiring the Hollywood team to produce promotional videos, creating the most dazzling cheerleaders in the United States, and reserve sideline seats for celebrities (such as Jack Nicholson), making the game a "sports + entertainment" ceremony. This strategy completely activates the Los Angeles market, with Lakers' ticket prices and sponsorship revenue soaring, and brand value jumping to the forefront of the NBA.

The cornerstone of the "Showtime" dynasty: with Magicians as the core, with Jabbar and Worcy to create a gorgeous offensive system. In the 1980s, the Lakers' market value soared from 18 million to 10 billion US dollars in 2025 (the value added exceeds 147 times).

Summary: Jerry Bass' acquisition is a triple adventure of "fund + vision + breakthrough". He bet on personal wealth, challenged industry stereotypes, and reconstructed the team culture, and eventually pushed the Lakers from the brink of chaos to the "Purple Gold Dynasty". The difficult process not only demonstrates business courage, but also reshapes the value perception of professional sports.

Now, the Bass family sold 85% of the Lakers' equity to capital giant Mark Walter for $10 billion, setting a global sports team transaction record. This ending is not only the ultimate return for Jerry Bass's gamble back then, but also in line with his original intention of "capital-driven competition" - from mortgaged real estate to cashing out of tens of billions of dollars, the legendary nature runs through the whole process.

CN 7M