The basketball community was not the only one who mourned when Dr. Jerry Buss passed away last February. The poker world was deeply saddened by his loss as well. The LA Lakers owner was a longtime presence at the World Series of Poker, cashing four times and even making a final table in the $2,500 Seven Card Stud event at the 1991 WSOP, finishing third. More importantly than results, Buss embodied what it meant to have class at the tables. Always friendly and kind, while still being competitive, he was a pleasure to see at the Rio every summer, and, this year, the hallways feel a little emptier without him.
Earlier this week, we invited the one and only Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers to play in Dr. Buss' stead in the same Seven Card Stud event he final tabled 22 years ago. Bryant politely declined, explaining it was doctor's orders that he couldn't play. While he may not be in Las Vegas, Bryant was certainly there in spirit, helping us pay tribute to Dr. Buss with this video message for the Seven Card Stud field: