Does Poker & Pro Basketball Mix?

There are many figured that transcend both sports and poker. One of those figures that you will see poker games played in the Los Angeles area is former LA Sparks owner Jerry Buss. Jerry Buss is one of the most recognizable faces in the sports world. He own the Los Angeles Laker, the LA Kings, and was the owner of two-time WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks during their championship runs.

Buss has been a big player in games in Los Angeles and Las Vegas for decades. His first major tournament cash happened to also be his first and only World Series of Poker final table. Buss finished 3rd in the $2,500 Seven Card Stud event that year in an event that saw the legendary Stu Ungar bubble the final table.

Buss has a couple of small wins in the late 90's but he did not place in a significant tournament until 2003 when he finished 2nd in the WPT Pro-Celebrity Challenge. That 2nd place finish was actually his biggest cash to date at $40,000. His first win in a significant event did not occur until 2005 when he took a preliminary event at Winning O' The Green at the Bike in Los Angeles. He took home only $33,820 for the win, but it was a win nonetheless.

Buss is likely best known to modern poker players from his stints on NBC's Poker After Dark and on GSN's High Stakes Poker. Buss also has competed in the NBC National Heads-Up Championships. Buss has begun to play more on the tournament circuit and is a regular staple in many events at the World Series of Poker.

Whether it is pro sports, or professional poker, Jerry Buss loves to compete with the best. In order to be the best, you have top play against the best. For many years, his teams have stood for excellence, and one day Buss hopes that his name will mean the same in the poker world.