United Kingdom, April 26 -- 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 ...