Lakers owner Jeanie Buss addresses Dennis Rodman's claim that the two briefly dated

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Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has denied recent claims made by five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman that the two briefly dated during his tenure with the team, instead suggesting that she was tasked with watching over him. 

During an appearance on "In Depth with Graham Bensinger," Buss was asked about the rumored relationship, which Rodman revealed during an interview with VLADTV when discussing his relationship with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

Los Angeles Lakers Dennis Rodman in action vs. the Utah Jazz at The Forum. Inglewood, California, on April 6, 1999. (John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

"I did not date Dennis Rodman," said Buss, who took over as the controlling owner following her father Jerry Buss’ death in 2013. 

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"I mean yes, I guess in other words, when my dad brought on Dennis Rodman to the team it was kind of like, ‘Let’s make sure that we know where he is at all times.’"

Buss suggested that during Rodman’s brief stint with the team in 1999, where he only played in 23 games, she acted as somewhat of a babysitter. 

"So like, if it’s about, ‘Hey where are you gonna be tonight? OK, we’re all going to this restaurant, or we’re going to this club, or we’re going to this beach, or we’re going to wherever Dennis is going to be.' You could say it was dating to say that it was making sure that I had an eye on him."

Jeanie Buss speaks during a ceremony unveiling and permanently placing Kobe Bryant's hand and footprints in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre on March 15, 2023, in Hollywood, California.