Jerry Buss dies: Magic Johnson, Shaq, and Laker players react to passing of owner

In addition to the official statements released by the Buss family and NBA commissioner David Stern, many current and former Lakers have taken to Twitter to express their condolences on the passing of Jerry Buss.

Buss, who bought the team in 1979, led a successful franchise throughout the tenure of his ownership, which Stern called "visionary" in his statement. He had been in poor health, battling cancer with his family at his side in recent weeks. The success and duration of his ownership make him one of the NBA's legendary owners, and that status was evident from the breadth and scope of the reactions on Twitter.

From current Lakers:

Today is a very sad day for all the Lakers and basketball. All my support and condolences to the Buss family. Rest in peace Dr. Buss.

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) February 18, 2013

#RIPDRBUSS you will be truly missed! #LakeShow

— Bengi #AllDay (@DevinEbanks3) February 18, 2013

From former Lakers Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and James Worthy:

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

This is a great loss for the LAKER NATION–1st the legendary Chick Hearn and now my 2nd dad, the beloved Dr. Jerry Buss. I LOVE you Dr. Buss!

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

Condolences to the Buss family. Dr Buss was not only the greatest sports owner, but a true friend & just a really cool guy. Loved him dearly

— James Worthy (@James_Worthy42) February 18, 2013

I'm deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr. Jerry Buss.He was a dear friend, mentor,and brilliant business mind thank u4 8 gr8 yrs

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 18, 2013

And from fellow owners, executives, and teams from the sports world:

RIP Jerry Buss.Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 18, 2013

On behalf of the entire 76ers organization, we send sincere condolences to the Buss family and all at the Lakers. A great man has left us.

— Adam Aron (@SixersCEOAdam) February 18, 2013

My condolences to the Buss family. RIP Jerry

— Jed York (@JedYork) February 18, 2013

Condolences to the Buss family. RIP to the beloved Dr. Buss. Thank you for your impact in the basketball world & the community. #RIPDrBuss

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) February 18, 2013

A sad day for Southern California sports. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Buss family and the @lakers organization.

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