Jerry Buss the Sports Hero in Los Angeles

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Jerry Buss dominated the Los Angeles sports scene, winning 10 NBA titles during his tenure as owner of the Lakers. USC Sports Media Studies adjunct professor Jeff Fellenzer says Buss was instrumental in creating a greater sports experience.

"I think he had a tremendous influence on the culture of sports, in So Cal by really positioning the Lakers as the flagship sports franchise," said Fellenzer.

Jerry Buss can trace his affinity for Los Angeles almost seven decades. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from USC in 1957. The man known as "Doctor Buss" took quite a liking to the Coliseum flare.

"USC had a very significant influence on his thinking. The college game, the entertainment part of it, the fans and the song girls; especially the color and the pageantry," said Fellenzer.

Buss made a significant impact outside the confines of professional sports. In 2008, he donated $7.5 million to the USC Chemistry Department. He was also seen in the classroom teaching many seminars as an inaugural member of the College Board of Councilors. That being said, sports fueled his success.

"He saw the power of the brand of USC Football, and he knew there was no reason you could not have that experience at a basketball game," said Fellenzer.

Buss was an avid supporter of USC Athletics, taking numerous trips to the Coliseum to catch the action in his Cardinal and Gold letterman jacket.

Buss died early yesterday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and is survived by six children and a grieving L.A. sports community. His funeral is set for Thursday at L.A. Live.