Los Angeles Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss has always been "very protective" of Kate Hudson.

The 64-year-old sports executive serves as a real-life inspiration for Kate's character in Running Point, the sports-comedy TV series, and the actress has revealed that they've developed a strong friendship over the years.

Kate, 47 - who plays the President of the Los Angeles Waves on the show - told People: "She was always someone that was very protective of me.

"She kind of put her arm around me and made sure I stayed out of trouble. But then to come back at this time in our life and have this experience together has been really, really wonderful and very, very cosy, I guess is the word."

Kate stars in Running Point alongside Brenda Song, and the actress recently admitted to being at a "crossroads" before being cast on the show.

The 38-year-old star plays Ali Lee, a chief of staff, in the Netflix series, which focuses on a reformed party girl who runs a professional basketball team, and Brenda admitted that the show has transformed her career.

Speaking to Extra, she explained: "I always said I've worked my whole life for this moment being able to work on a project where I love the subject matter so much, being such a huge [Los Angeles] Lakers fan."

Brenda admits that the role arrived at the perfect time in her life.

The actress also relished the experience of working with Mindy Kaling - the show's co-creator - and Kate on the project.

She said: "I was actually at such a crossroads just feeling like, 'I just had two kids.' Just feeling like, 'Where do I fit in this industry?' And chatting with Mindy and working with Kate, these two women inspire me on such a personal level outside of all of this craziness.

"It has been such a wonderful experience, and I just hope we get to keep doing it."