NBA greats show up for Buss service

Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Jerry West were among a host of NBA 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 in Los Angeles was bedecked with all 10 of the NBA championship trophies won by the Lakers under Buss. Johnson punctuated the 1 1/2-hour service by getting the audience on its feet, clapping and cheering …

Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Jerry West were among a host of NBA 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 in Los Angeles was bedecked with all 10 of the NBA championship trophies won by the Lakers under Buss. 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. – AP