HoopsHype.com Rumors

How much do you draw from your dad, in terms of how to sell the product? Does he provide feedback, or is he more a sink or swim type? Joey Buss: He’s always about the sink or swim type. Just go out there and do it. Don’t ask me about anything. This is kind of like a test. That’s kind of how the trophy thing happened. [Ed. Note: Joey Buss accepted the Larry O’Brien trophy from David Stern after the ’09 Finals, a surprising move to everyone.] He had always said that he was going to come out if we were in a clinching opportunity in Orlando. So we were in a clinching opportunity and I called him and said, “When’s your flight out?” He said “Tomorrow.” So tomorrow comes around and he doesn’t show up. I hope everything’s ok, so I call him back and he says, “Oh, I’m still at home. I decided not to go.” “Well, what are you going to do if we win? What’s going to happen?” He said, “I was thinking that you could just go ahead and do it. It’s not a big deal.” I’m like, OK, thanks. Given that, he was just saying go out and do it. Sink or swim. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Joey Buss 

What have you learned from the way Jim has been criticized? Joey Buss: That you have to have tough skin. I've learned that no matter what you do, you're going to be criticized. That you just gotta kinda take it, then keep your head held up high and stick to what you believe... I think that my dad has been at it so long, the experience factor is there for him in terms of, "He's been around since '79, so he knows what he's doing." As Jimmy is around more for a longer duration, he'll get more credit and more experience. Because like what you're saying, he's getting criticized right now. And I think as time goes on, I think that will lessen for him. What I learned from that is to try to build myself up from a lesser role with the Lakers. That's why I'm focusing on the D-League. I think that it best serves everybody, including myself. But it also serves, I guess, a reputation that if I succeed with the D-League team, people can see that and it'll be on my resume, so to speak. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Joey Buss 

Joey Buss, another son of the owner who runs the team's D-League franchise, has moved into Jackson's old office. Jesse Buss, 23, who was arrested for alcohol intoxication in Lexington, Ky., on a "scouting" trip in December, has moved into Lester's former office. CBSSports.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Joey Buss, Jesse Buss 

Now 27, Joey is very much in the picture – and he might well have the common sense and the sturdy relationships with Jeanie and Jim to change the story. Joey sits next to Jerry and Jim at every Lakers home game, pitching in a little on the big job. But Joey has his own big, little job for now: CEO and president of NBA Development League's D-Fenders, the Lakers' hardly-known minor-league affiliate that Joey is driven to establish into what he describes, rather appropriately, as "the Lakers' little brother." "I want to work my way up; I don't want to just be placed in a role for the Lakers," Joey said. "I feel like I can do more for the D-Fenders, offer more – and learn more that way for myself. After that happens, then I can implement things for the Lakers. Youth is on my side. I just want to make the best of the opportunities I have." Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss, Joey Buss 

With no life but this one spawned by a famous father, Joey will let the naysayers' familiar voices take over when the topic is broached: "You're set for life! You don't have to do any work!" he shouted with a half-grin. "For me, the prejudgments come before anything," he said. "They just judge a book by its cover. Those preconceptions are a motivating factor for me, because I want to prove 'em wrong." Joey is fully aware, though, that his heat is a nightlight compared to the fire brother Jim is feeling – and the Lakers' latest golden era isn't even over yet. "My dad's still very active," Joey said. "I don't know why Jimmy's really gotten the brunt of everything; I mean, he's really gotten a lot of criticism. "He's definitely a target right now. I know he's really, really trying hard to be self-aware and really kind of put himself in a position where people can't criticize everything about him. Some people take it personally and criticize the way he dresses or his shoes." Orange County Register

Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss, Joey Buss