The Untold Story: Larry Taylor's Impact on the Lakers' Legacy and Real Estate Success

In the bustling world of Los Angeles real estate and sports history, there's a lesser-known tale that intertwines the rise of Lakers owner Jerry Buss and the savvy real estate moves of Larry Taylor. Today, we uncover the behind-the-scenes role Taylor played in helping Buss acquire the Lakers and explore how this deal shaped both their destinies.

The Genesis of a Partnership

At the helm of the property investment firm Christina, Larry Taylor, now 69, entered the scene in the early days of Buss' ambitious plan. Buss, then a Westside real estate magnate, needed cash to realize his dream of owning the Lakers. Enter Taylor, a young entrepreneur in his early 20s, who saw an opportunity in Buss' properties but recognized they needed some serious TLC.

A Transformative Deal

Taylor recalls the initial state of Buss' buildings – worn-out lightbulbs, tired hallways, and lackluster landscaping. Negotiations ensued, with Taylor proposing adjustments to the sales price. In a pivotal moment, Buss simply said, "Just tell me what you need." The agreement was reached, and Taylor's involvement injected the capital Buss needed to acquire the Lakers in 1979, setting the stage for the team's remarkable journey, ultimately winning 10 NBA championships.

Rising Stars in Their Respective Fields

As Buss soared to become one of sports history's most successful owners, Taylor's career also took flight. Hessam Nadji, CEO of Marcus & Millichap, emphasizes Taylor's long-term vision, tough negotiation skills, and strategic mindset that propelled his success in the competitive real estate landscape. Bob Hart, CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, highlights Taylor's commitment to building relationships and seizing opportunities to enhance property value.

Navigating Today's Real Estate Landscape

Fast forward to today, and Taylor reflects on the evolving challenges in the real estate market. With technology accelerating information flow, finding hidden gems has become a complex task. Despite rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, Taylor sees potential in properties with lower prices. His only regret? Selling any of his properties, as he notes, "I don't know one property I could buy today for the price I sold it for."

The One That Got Away

Taylor's journey is not without its what-ifs. Post the Lakers deal, he had the chance to buy the Indiana Pacers for $5 million but declined due to his unfamiliarity with NBA ownership. Today, the Pacers are valued at nearly $3 billion. Reflecting on this, Taylor shares a conversation with former NBA owner Donald Sterling, who remarked, "You could have been a billionaire."

Lessons from a Legend

Amidst these tales of triumph and missed opportunities, Taylor acknowledges the debt he owes to Jerry Buss. The Lakers owner's advice, received in Taylor's early 20s, emphasized the importance of investing on Los Angeles' Westside and the cardinal rule of never losing investors' money.

A Lasting Legacy

In the early 2000s, Buss and Taylor reunited, reminiscing about their journey. Buss, acknowledging Taylor's accomplishments, remarked, "That was a pretty good formula I gave you." Today, as the Lakers continue their legacy and Taylor thrives in the dynamic real estate landscape, their intertwined stories stand as a testament to the enduring impact of strategic partnerships and wise investments.