Despite Only Playing 23 Games For The Lakers, Dennis Rodman Shared A Special Bond With Former Owner Jerry Buss: “It Had Nothing To Do With Basketball”

NBA legend Dennis Rodman is best remembered for his time with the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons. Interestingly, he spent some time with the Los Angeles Lakers as well in the latter part of his career. Despite playing a handful of games with the franchise, he made some important relations with the people associated with the Lakers. Jerry Buss, the former owner of the team, and Rodman had grown incredibly fond of each other.

Jeanie, Buss’ daughter once perfectly described the relationship the two shared. As stated by her, the two were very close and their closeness had nothing to do with Rodman’s game.

Dennis Rodman shared an incredibly close bond with the Lakers’ owners

Five-time NBA champion Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1998-99 season after successful stints with the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. The aging Rodman was in the twilight of his career which did not give him much game time.

However, he grew incredibly close with the owner. In fact, Dr. Jerry Buss treated him like his own family! Following Buss’ unfortunate demise, Rodman called Jeanie in order to console her during this tough time.

Describing Rodman’s relationship with Buss, his daughter said, “Dennis was like family to my father. They had a special relationship that meant a lot to my dad. It really had nothing to do with basketball. It was touching.”

READ MORE: “I’m Not an Athlete Anymore”: Dennis Rodman Admitted to Being an Entertainer Months Before Joining the Bulls

Interestingly, the two also once played blackjack together in Vegas. Rodman respected Buss deeply and looked up to him like his own father.

Rodman once broke down addressing Buss’ death

Dr. Jerry Buss passed away on the 18th of February, 2013 aged 80. He left behind a brilliant legacy that will be remembered forever through his team’s successes. Talking about Buss, Rodman once broke down on national television.

During an appearance on “The Tonight Show”, the former Defensive Player of the Year broke down when asked to comment on Buss’ death. “He’s like my dad. Damn man, it’s like, wow. I didn’t want to bring this up, you know“, said Rodman while speaking about the legendary Lakers owner. Buss left behind a legacy like no other and gave the league some of its most iconic moments ever.

WATCH THIS STORY: Dennis Rodman’s omnipresent nudity inspired the cast of Surreal Life to do something bizarre

Is Jerry Buss the greatest owner ever? Let us know in the comments.