The president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss, recently picked up a home in Playa Vista, spending $2.4 million for the getaway or investment property. The house is situated in an extremely desirable neighborhood in the city.

Streetside, the 3,178 modern Spanish-style home features three stories, a covered second-floor porch, and period detailing that is eager to charm, and largely succeeds. It is a recent build, dating to 2011, with four bedrooms and five baths.

The landscaping and arches of the exterior lead to an interior which presents a dark expression, with hardwood floors and cabinetry balanced by cool- and warm-toned walls. The living spaces are somewhat compartmental, but flow looks quite natural from family room to kitchen, which opens nicely with an excellent sense of space; the breakfast nook with build-in window seat is especially appealing.

The ceiling designs are thoroughly modern here, with dramatic, strident lines, abrupt angularity, and the grid-like effect of recessed LED fixtures. The upstairs levels and bedrooms continue the dark tones, giving an overall effect that borders on the moody, but isn’t lacking for a sense of style, and is a nice tonic to the more generic look one might expect.

And, the outside deck, with its slate floor and stacked stone fireplace, is a real refuge, a charming alcove looking out over a very pleasant neighborhood indeed.

The daughter of Lakers owner and mastermind Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss made sweeping changes to the organization’s executive lineup late last winter to dispel what has become a tough run for the former NBA juggernaut. Magic Johnson is now president of basketball operations for the team.