Lakers owner Jerry Buss hospitalized night for dehydration Lakers owner Jerry Buss is hospitalized at an undisclosed location because of dehydration, a team spokesman said Tuesday. "He is recovering and is expected to be released soon," Lakers publicist John Black said in a statement. Buss, 78, was also taken to a hospital in December to treat blood clots in his legs, which was attributed to excessive travel. Buss' hospitalization was first reported by TMZ.com, which stated that Buss fell ill around 9 p.m. Monday night, causing someone at his house to call the police. The report then says the L.A. City Fire Department responded and paramedics rushed him to a local L.A. hospital. The Lakers' statement didn't address any of those details, but Black said there were "rumors and inaccurate reports." Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979, along with the Forum, the L.A. Kings and a 13,000-acre ranch in Kern County for $67.5 million from Jack Kent Cooke. Since Buss has owned the team, the Lakers have won 10 of their 16 championships. In recent seasons, Buss has gradually given more control of the team to both his daughter, Jeanie, and son, Jim. Jeanie Buss oversees the business side of the team while Jim Buss oversees player personnel.