What they said

"The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come. More importantly, we have lost a dear and valued friend."

DAVID STERN, NBA commissioner

"We have lost a true giant. Jerry Buss was more than just an owner. He was one of the great innovators that any sport has ever encountered."

PAT RILEY, former Lakers coach

"Jerry Buss was a visionary, a winner and a dear friend. Our city will miss him, our league will miss him and the Sterling family will truly miss him."

DONALD STERLING, Los Angeles Clippers owner

"He has meant everything to me in my career. What he has done, it's hard to match in the world of sports."

KOBE BRYANT, LA Lakers guard

"I'm deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr Jerry Buss. He was a dear friend, mentor, and brilliant business mind thank u 4 8 gr8 yrs."

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, retired NBA player (via Twitter)

"Dr Jerry Buss was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles sports community and his name will always be synonymous with his beloved Lakers ... Today we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a man who helped shape the modern landscape of sports in LA."

ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA, Los Angeles mayor

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

MARK CUBAN, Dallas Mavericks owner (via Twitter)

"What a visionary. What a leader. What a friend. Rest in peace Dr Buss."

A.C. GREEN, former Lakers forward (via Twitter)

(China Daily 02/20/2013 page23)