‘‘Not everything went right but because he was always thinking ahead, everything became right,’’ Johnny Buss said. ‘‘He never had to step on anyone to get ahead. He surrounded himself with good people. He loved L.A. and as we can see L.A. loved him, too.’’

The audience included the current Lakers team, Hall of Famers Elgin Baylor and Bill Walton, former Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich, former Lakers Byron Scott, A.C. Green and Cedric Ceballos, retired Los Angeles Sparks star Lisa Leslie, former Southern California athletic director Mike Garrett, longtime Lakers fan Dyan Cannon, and Los Angeles Kings broadcasters Bob Miller and Jim Fox.

The speeches were interspersed with performances, including nine members of the USC band playing ‘‘Amazing Grace.’’ Randy Newman, whose iconic ‘‘I Love LA’’ anthem is played at every Lakers game, sang his hit ‘‘You've Got a Friend in Me’’ from the movie ‘‘Toy Story.’’ Davis Gaines sang a number from ‘‘Phantom of the Opera.’’

Johnson ended the memorial with a plea to Buss’ six children who control a majority stake in the team.

‘‘Please Buss family, do not ever sell the Lakers, and win more championships,’’ said Johnson, who owns a share of the Los Angeles Dodgers.