California Sports President Lou Baumeister, whom the Lakers described as an "important member of their family," died of cancer Tuesday morning at the age of 76.  

California Sports was the Lakers' parent company from 1979 to 1999. 

"The Lakers would like to send their condolences to his wife, Marilyn, and their four children, Annie, Danny, Anthony and Monica," the team said in a statement.

-- Mark Medina

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