Who Was Lakers Owner Before Jerry Buss? Fans Of The Team Are Wondering Where His Family Are Now

Who Was Lakers Owner Before Jerry Buss? Jack Kent Cooke purchased Los Angeles Lakers in September 1965. 

Cooke was a Canadian-American businessman, who built a business empire in professional sports franchises and broadcasting after moving to the United States. He became a partner in the network of newspapers and radio stations in Canada. 

Jack Kent owned several sports teams, including Los Angeles King (NHL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Washington Redskins (NFL), Toronto Maple Leafs (IL), and the Los Angeles Wolves (United Soccer).

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Who Was Lakers Owner Before Jerry Buss? Meet Jack Kent Cooke

Jack Kent Cooke was the Lakers' owner before Jerry Buss. He was a celebrated businessman in the sports industry from the 60s till his death in the 90s.

He purchased the Los Angeles Lakers from Bob Short in September 1965 for $5 million, which is roughly around $41 million in current dollar terms. Lakers reached seven NBA finals and managed to win the 1972 NBA Finals under his ownership. 

Just watched first episode of #WinningTime about the @MagicJohnson @Lakers starting with #DrBuss buying team in 1979 from #JackKentCooke. This is the unofficial version. I was at the Forum that 1st year as a @Lakers ballboy. I was 17 & senior at BHHS. I’ll let U know what I think

— David Benjamin (@thetoyman1) March 7, 2022

Under his ownership, the team moved to The Forum from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Los Angeles Lakers even changed their colors to the current Purple and Gold from Royal and Light Blue. Cooke referred to their signature purple as Forum Blue. 

Jack was born on October 25, 1912. He passed away at the age of 84 years on April 6, 1997, at George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C., reports The New York Times. His memorial service was held on April 10 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville, Virginia.

Jack Kent Cooke Family Details Revealed

Jack Kent Cooke grew up with his family in Hamilton, Ontario, and The Beaches, Toronto. He was married five times and twice to the same woman, Marlene Ramallo Chalmers, to who he was married at the time of his death. 

Cooke's first marriage to Barbara Jean Carnegie lasted for 45 years. They got married in 1934, and they were divorced in 1979. The couple had two children, Ralph Kent Cooke and John Kent Cooke.

Jack was married to Jeanne Maxwell Williams on October 31, 1980, and they divorced ten months later. His marriage to Suzanne Elizabeth Martin lasted 73 days. She gave birth to their daughter Jacqueline Kent Cooke after their divorce. 

After his tragic death, Jack Kent's children gained a hefty sum of his assets.

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What Is Jack Kent Cooke Net Worth Now?

Jack Kent Cooke's net worth might be around $825 million during the time of his death, reports Sports Casting. As the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, they were the NBA Champion in 1972.

Jack Kent Cooke sighting! pic.twitter.com/xC6rxJkpbt

— David Betancourt (@adcfanboy) March 7, 2022

After his death, a huge chunk of his estate was put into establishing the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, which helps young people of extraordinary talent reach their full potential with the help of education.

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