Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has unveiled a shocking and deeply troubling revelation – she received “death threats” amid the Lakers’ poor start to the NBA season last year. This alarming revelation sheds light on the extreme pressures and emotional toll that come with ownership of a storied franchise.
It’s a stark reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by team owners, especially in high-stakes environments like the NBA. Buss’ courage in speaking out about these threats underscores the need for dialogue on the well-being and safety of sports figures behind the scenes, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support within the basketball community.
Lakers owner claims she got death threats from fans
Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, has made a startling admission, revealing that she received death threats from dissatisfied fans during the 2022-23 NBA season. These disturbing incidents came to light during her appearance on The Athletic NBA Show podcast, where she shared that these threats coincided with the Lakers’ dismal performance early in the season, causing her significant distress. She openly acknowledged, “I believed, ‘I won’t be able to handle this.‘ It’s going to be incredibly tough. I was getting death threats.”
Jeanie Buss Received Death Threats From Angry Lakers Fans Last Season https://t.co/t3xKEJBi4P
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 23, 2023
This troubling revelation shines a light on the darker aspects of sports fanaticism, where fervent enthusiasm can sometimes escalate into deeply concerning behavior. This situation brings to mind previous occurrences, including instances where former Lakers player Danny Green and collegiate athletes were targeted with death threats due to their on-court actions.
Despite the Lakers’ initial struggles, they managed to turn their season around and reach the Western Conference Finals. Jeanie Buss, who has been a central figure in the franchise since assuming leadership from her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, in 2013, played a crucial role in guiding the Lakers to an NBA championship victory in 2019-20. This revelation underscores the urgent need to address fan harassment issues and prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals in the world of sports.
Looking back at Lakers performances in the NBA last year
Commencing the season, the Lakers faced significant hurdles. They stumbled out of the gate, losing 10 of their initial 12 matchups. This disheartening start raised concerns about their overall performance and triggered speculations regarding their draft pick, tied to the Anthony Davis trade. Amid these struggles, frustrations boiled over, even extending to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, who disclosed receiving death threats from disillusioned fans.
Yet, adversity seemed to galvanize the Lakers. The team embarked on an impressive turnaround, securing victory in five out of the subsequent six games. With strategic maneuvers at the trade deadline, they reshaped their roster to address shortcomings.
Consequently, the Lakers closed the season with a 42-29 record, a testament to their resilience. They clinched the Western Conference‘s seventh seed and embarked on a commendable journey to the Western Conference Finals, ultimately bowing out to the Denver Nuggets.
This season, marked by turbulence and triumph, underscored the Lakers’ enduring legacy and their ability to rally when the stakes are high.
