Laker Girl

by Jeanie Buss, Steve Springer, Phil Jackson (Foreword)

The never-before-told story of the Buss family and of one woman's rise to the top in a man's world, Laker Girl is an unprecedented glimpse into the glamorous world of the Los Angeles Lakers. It is also a behind-the-scenes journal of the 2009–10 Lakers season, a year in which the franchise captured its 16th world championship. By the time Jeanie was 19, she was already a high-ranking executive with World Team Tennis. Today, she is the Lakers' executive vice president of business operations and one of the most influential women in professional sports. Along the way, she's rubbed elbows with everyone from Michael Jordan, John McEnroe, and Shaquille O'Neal to Ryan Seacrest, Khloe Kardashian, Hugh Hefner, and Jack Nicholson. And she's done it all in her own unique, inimitable style.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Basketball

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Colin Cerniglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeanie's adoration for her dad (Dr. Jerry Buss) is clear in this book. The stories are good but it flows awkwardly at times. It's still a very inspiring book to see how Jeanie grew into being the only female owner in the NBA -- she didn't just "get it" from her dad.

[Simon Yoong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what i expected. a lot of the book is the day-to-day life of her with boyfriend Phil Jackson. And what struck me as odd was every time there was a major decision in the Laker organization, she'd repeat the mantra 'i was not part of the decision'.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of cool to hear her tales of one of the largest franchises in sports

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this book... I have been a Laker fan all of my life (starting with Magic and the Showtime era), but generally "sports" books put me to sleep. Despite that, I thought I would give "Laker Girl" a try. And I am glad I did. I loved it!
Jeanie is candid; sharing both happy and sad memories - some (many) of which are Laker related, and others that are more personal. The chapters alternate between older memories and a current season which keeps the reader entertained and engaged, and is never confusing.

I would highly recommend this book not only to Laker fans, but for anyone looking for an honestly enjoyable read about a girl who's father has worked his way up from nothing to being the owner of one of the most successful sports organizations of all time. And how that same girl, while given a privileged position in her father's organization at a young age has worked hard to become the best she can be, thereby solidifying her father's initial decision.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super easy read, I found this great for Lakers fans and women sports fans alike.

Jeannie Buss doesn't pretend she got where she is because of her hard work alone, she knows she was born into the right family and it is that frankness that makes this book enjoyable. She talks a lot about being a woman in the sports industry and I wouldn't say it's a terribly sophisticated critique but it is refreshing to see that kind of honesty. Still, it is not entirely about the NBA or the industry, it is mostly a book on her life and she comes across as down-to-earth and much like a lady I'd like to have in my group of friends.

Worth a read if you like the Lakers (lots of insider info), or if you are a lady sports fan.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the contents of the book, all the behind the scenes info on the Lakers, Phil and her family history but the writing itself was elementary. But I'd recommend this to anyone who is a Laker Fan.

[Dave Cottenie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of disappointing. Jeanie Buss is far more accomplished than she portrayed herself. The history of Jerry Buss and the Lakers was the strength of this book. However, too often the text was about name dropping and being a socialite rather than Jeanie’s role and accomplishments with the Lakers.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Contrasting with "Showtime" by Jeff Pearlman, gives a totally different perspective of the lakers

[Francois Pienaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice insight into the person, but a heavy focus on basketball and the business of the Lakers which I enjoyed.