Jim Buss tried to offer Kobe Bryant shares of the Los Angeles Lakers in show of appreciation last season.

Dr. Jerry Buss had done the same with Magic Johnson in the 1990s.

But Jim Buss didn't research or understand that the trust doesn't allow that kind of transfer of ownership. The thought was Jim Buss was trying to win favor with Bryant by allocating shares to him.

After Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak were fired from the front office, Jeanie Buss hired Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, as general manager.