Lakers owner Jerry Buss was hospitalized Monday night for treatment of dehydration, a team spokesman confirmed in an email to reporters Tuesday morning. “In response to media inquires and to dispel rumors and inaccurate reports, we’d like to state that Dr. Buss is in a local hospital where he is being treated for dehydration,” spokesman John Black said in a short statement. “He is recovering and is expected to be released soon.”

The celebrity gossip website TMZ first reported the story.

Buss, 78, was hospitalized with blood clots in his legs last December after extensive travel. In recent years, he has turned over most of the day-to-day operations of the Lakers to son, Jim, who runs the basketball side of the team, and daughter, Jeanie, who handles the business affairs. The elder Buss has owned the team since 1979.