Lakers' Jim Buss says he will step down in '3-4 years' if team fails to contend

The second-eldest sibling of former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss was born into royalty, but he's more-than willing to fall on the sword should the team continue to falter in his father's absence.   

Jim Buss has reportedly given himself "3-4 years" to bring the Lakers back into contention, or, as he promised team management, he will relieve himself of his duties as Los Angeles' executive vice president of basketball operations. 

"I was laying myself on the line by saying, if this doesn't work in three to four years, if we're not back on the top — and the definition of top means contending for the Western Conference, contending for a championship — then I will step down because that means I have failed," Buss told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't know if you can fire yourself if you own the team … but what I would say is I'd walk away and you guys figure out who's going to run basketball operations because I obviously couldn't do the job."

While the act appears incredibly noble, Buss has faith that he will be able to turn the Lakers' fortunes around. 

"There's no question in my mind we will accomplish success. I'm not worried about putting myself on the line."

The 2013-14 campaign was the worst season in 54 years of Los Angeles Lakers' basketball. They managed just 27 wins, finishing second-to-last in the Western Conference standings.