Jeanie Buss stifles brothers’ attempt to take over Lakers

LOS ANGELES — Jeanie Buss has thwarted an effort by her brothers, Jim and Johnny, to oust her as the Los Angeles Lakers’ president and controlling owner as the behind-thescenes battle for control of the franchise moved into the courtroom.

Attorneys for Jeanie Buss sought a temporary restraining order Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court to prevent the brothers from holding a meeting next week to elect a new board of directors for the team.

The brothers proposed four directors, according to court records, but didn’t include her. To be the controlling owner, she has to be a director.

“This is no doubt the beginning and not the end of the game-playing,” said Adam Streisand, the attorney for Jeanie Buss. “They don’t have a legal leg to stand on. This is a legal strategy doomed for failure.”

The brothers withdrew the request Friday after Jeanie Buss asked for the restraining order. Her attorneys withdrew the motion for the restraining order, as well.

Two weeks ago, Jeanie Buss removed Jim Buss from his role as Lakers vice president of basketball operations as part of wide-ranging changes that included naming Magic Johnson president of basketball operations. Johnny Buss oversees corporate development for the Lakers.

The court documents said the move by the brothers is “motivated as retaliation.”

Streisand doesn’t expect the effort to be successful but warned of the consequences if they wrested control of the team.

“Everything she’s trying to do could be undone,” Streisand said.

Jeanie Buss took control of the franchise after the death of her father, Jerry Buss, in 2013.