Kissing Is Part of Job When Fox Is in ‘Love’

Former Laker Rick Fox, embarking on an acting career, will appear in three episodes of the UPN series “Love, Inc.,” beginning with tonight’s show on Channel 13 at 8:30.

His character, David Marley, goes out on a date with Clea Lavoy, played by Holly Robinson Peete, wife of Rodney Peete. Although the date doesn’t go well, there are some love scenes.

So how does Rodney Peete feel about that?

“I haven’t checked with Rodney,” Fox said, “but having been married to an actress [Vanessa Williams], you just chalk it up as something that comes with the job.”

Said Peete: “That’s true, but usually I get approval on who Holly is going to be kissing.... I didn’t get approval this time.”

So what does he think? “Rick may be a little too good-looking for Holly to be kissing on TV,” Peete said with a laugh.

Trivia time: What was Fox’s career high for points in a game during his 13 years in the NBA?

Still scoring points: Holly Robinson Peete said she was impressed by more than just Fox’s acting ability.

“He also impressed the cast with his gift-giving etiquette,” she said. “We all got splendid Louis Vuitton items. Smart guy. We can’t wait for him to come back!”

Sharing the blame: Fox, on Phil Jackson’s calling Kobe Bryant “uncoachable” in his book that came out after the 2003-04 season: “Considering the season we had, I think we were all uncoachable.”

No bookworm: Bryant, on Dan Patrick’s ESPN radio show Wednesday, was asked about books Jackson has given him.

“He has given me a couple,” Bryant said. “To be honest, with you, I haven’t read any of them.... I’m not a big reader anyway, but I skim through them.”

Asked Patrick: “There’s no book report with Phil?”

Bryant: “If he gave us a pop quiz, it would shock the ... out of everybody.”

Here’s your chance: A 7-year-old indoor football team, the Ohio Valley Greyhounds of Wheeling, W.Va., is being sold on EBay. The starting bid on the auction site is $100,000.

Looking back: On this day in 2001, Arkansas defeated Mississippi, 58-56, in seven overtimes, in one of the longest major college football games. The score was 17-17 at the end of regulation.

The teams scored touchdowns in every extra period except the second, when they kicked field goals. The Razorbacks won by stopping a two-point conversion try.

Trivia answer: 34, against the New York Knicks on March 7, 1997, while playing for the Boston Celtics. He joined the Lakers the next season.

And finally: Former boxing champion Kostya Tszyu, who is from Australia but was born in Siberia, is coming out with a biography titled “From Russia With Gloves.”

“Except in the publisher’s bean-counting department,” wrote Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times, “where it’s better known as ‘It’ll Kostya $14.95.’ ”

Larry Stewart can be reached at larry.stewart@latimes.com.