Jerry Buss dies: Dodgers react to passing of Lakers owner

Stan Kasten - (Atlanta Hawks GM in 1979, the year Buss became the owner of the Lakers, later became team president) - "[knew Jerry Buss] a long time. I was there when he was voted into the NBA, I was there at Amelia Island, I remember it like yesterday. I think a role model for all owners. Great longtime friend, figured out so many things about our sport before other owners did. Even coming in as a new guy he figured out things, economics of the game, presentation of the game. And just as a human being, the ultimate class act. A role model of sports for all sports."

Don Mattingly - "for me, being from the outside, you hear the respect from the players, the way they talked about him, for me that tells me the story."

Dodger owner and Laker great Magic Johnson tweeted:

My thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a great man and an incredible friend.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 18, 2013

Dodgers also sent out their statement on their Twitter account:

The #Dodgers extend our deepest sympathies to the Buss family and the @lakers on the passing of one of the greatest owners in NBA history.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 18, 2013

Jerry Buss made great contributions to the sporting landscape of Los Angeles and America and was a true champion in every sense of the word.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 18, 2013