In an unexpected turn of events, Lakers‘ President Jeanie Buss finds herself pondering over Michael Jordan‘s recent sale of the Charlotte Hornets. Be it as rivals in the 1980s or as colleagues in the NBA Board of Governors meetings, Buss says she enjoys interacting with Jordan.
The connection between the two sports legends goes beyond the basketball court. With more NBA Athletes venturing into the world of alcohol, be it LeBron James with Lobos 1707 or Dwyane Wade with Wade Cellars, it seems like the next wave of investments is the Liquor Industry. Jeanie Buss herself has joined forces with ‘His Airness’ on a tequila brand of their own.
The Bonds Beyond Rivalry: Lakers, Celtics, and the Legacy of MJ
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The collaboration with Michael Jordan on Cincoro Gold began as a casual affair with Jeanie, Michael, Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics, and Wes Edens of the Milwaukee Bucks. They found themselves on the same committee overseeing the labor agreement in 2016. It was during this time that they discovered their shared love for tequila and decided to create a brand. The aim was to create something that they themselves would enjoy. Their intentions were simple: to make a fun personal project.
The pandemic and the release of ‘The Last Dance’ documentary boosted their brand beyond their wildest dreams. In the doc, Jordan was often seen responding to interviewers with a glass of alcohol by his side. Curiosity would eventually get the better of fans, and Cincoro Gold took off.
Jeanie also admits the irony of making strong friendships with her rivals. She believes that having competitors who push you is essential for reaching one’s full potential. The Lakers and Celtics have historically been rivals on the basketball court. Jeanie also stresses the importance of respect for the opposition. The rivalry fuels them to strive for greatness. But once the game is over, they all come together.
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Did Michael Jordan take an exit?
The recent news of Michael Jordan selling the majority shares in the Hornets has left Jeanie with sadness. However, she takes comfort in knowing that he still remains a minority owner. And he will continue to be part of the team. MJ’s genius in the business world is well-known. Buss even credits Jordan, saying every venture he’s ever been a part of has been a huge success, hoping that will carry on to their Tequila brand as well.
Despite the excitement of partnering with Michael in the tequila business, Jeanie expresses her longing to see him back at the helm of an NBA Team. Their connection goes beyond the world of sports and ventures. This shows that their bond has deepened beyond business or sports.
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As the basketball world processes the news of Michael Jordan’s $3 billion exit, Jeanie Buss talks about the significance of rivalry and camaraderie. Although the tequila business brought them together, their friendship goes beyond profits and victories.