Rick Fox played small forward for years with the Los Angeles Lakers.

But the former professional basketball player will soon be part of an even more iconic L.A.-based group of characters: the cast of Melrose Place. He's signed on for a recurring role on The CW drama.

Fox will portray the owner of a restaurant. We're assuming it's the establishment where Auggie works as a chef and (mini-spoiler alert!) where Violet lands the gig of hostess in the show's second episode.

The athlete-turned-actor has appeared on Oz, One Tree Hill and Ugly Betty.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.