Lakers owner Jerry Buss in hospital for dehydration Los Angeles Lakers' owner Dr. Jerry Buss (C) speaks with reporters following a news conference to announce Mike Brown as the team's new head coach in El Segundo, California on May 31, 2011. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 10 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss was in a hospital Tuesday because of dehydration and was expected to make a full recovery, the team said. The NBA club released a statement that said the 78-year-old businessman was expected to be released soon. "He is recovering and is expected to be released soon," the Los Angeles Times quoted Lakers publicist John Black as saying in a statement. Details of Buss' health issues were not provided. TMZ.com reported Buss fell ill about 9 p.m. Monday and that someone at his home called police. The entertainment news Web site said the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded and paramedics took him to a hospital. The Times said Buss also went to a hospital in December for blood clots in his legs that were attributed to excessive travel. Buss, a former chemist who made his fortune in the real estate business, bought the Lakers in 1979. The team has won 10 of the franchise's 16 NBA championships during his tenure.