Can Dennis Rodman’s perplexing friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un really lead to any serious “basketball diplomacy” or is it all only an effort by a former athlete who seeks the limelight?

DAVID GUTTENFELDER/AP
Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman speaks to North Korean basketball players during a practice session in Pyongyang, North Korea, Dec. 20, 2013. Rodman selected the members of the North Korean team who will play in Pyongyang against visiting NBA stars on Jan. 8, 2014.