Poker isn't just a hobby for this former real estate developer. Jerry Buss is also a regular high-stakes cash-game player who enjoys playing tournaments on the circuit. Back in 1989, Buss promised Johnny Chan an NBA championship ring if he could win three World Series of Poker titles in a row. Chan finished second that year to Phil Hellmuth.

The 72-year-old owner of the Los Angeles Lakers grew up in "the plains" of Wyoming, and made the largest transaction in sports history in 1979 when he purchased both the famous basketball team and the Kings of the National Hockey League for $67.5 million. Players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant are only a handful of the stars who have played under his ownership. On the tournament circuit, Buss has three final-table appearances and won the 2005 Bicycle Casino Winnin' o' the Green tournament. He recently placed 17th in a 294-player field in the $1,500 no-limit hold'em event at the 2006 Commerce Casino L.A. Poker Classic.