Ex-NBA champ Rick Fox running for office in Bahamas

Rick Fox, who won three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, said he is running for a seat in the legislature in the Bahamas.

The 56-year-old made the announcement Monday on Facebook.

"You've shared that you want more transparency, a modern economy that prioritizes affordability and security, and a country where opportunity is our reality, not just a promise," he wrote.

"I will be a candidate in the next general election," he wrote.

"For months, I've been listening closely to the hopes and frustrations of my fellow Bahamians. One truth is clear: the future of The Bahamas will depend on the choices we make right now. You've shared that you want more transparency, a modern economy that prioritizes affordability and security, and a country where opportunity is our reality, not just a promise.

"I share that vision."

The Bahamas, an archipelago southeast of Florida and north of Cuba, is struggling with conditions that include illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, the economy and corruption.

Fox was born in Toronto but raised in the Bahamas, his father's homeland, and now lives there.

The forward played collegiately at North Carolina and was a first-round draft pick by the Celtics in 1991. He spent six seasons with Boston and seven with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002 on teams led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.

He averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 930 games (587 starts) in the NBA.

Post-retirement, his interests have included sportscasting, acting and esports ownership. In 2019, he created the Bahamas Relief Foundation to help the nation rebuild after Hurricane Dorian.

--Field Level Media