Doc Rivers On Laurence Fishburne Playing Him In FX’s The Sterling Affairs [Watch]
Laurence Fishburne is set to take on the role of Doc Rivers in FX’s upcoming series, The Sterling Affairs. The show is set to explore the tumultuous ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers by Donald Sterling, including the controversy surrounding his racist comments and subsequent ousting from the NBA.
Fishburne is an accomplished actor, having received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and an Academy Award nomination. He is best known for his roles in films such as The Matrix and Boyz n the Hood, as well as his work in television shows like Hannibal and Black-ish.
Playing the role of Doc Rivers is a unique challenge for Fishburne, as Rivers is not only a well-known figure in the basketball world, but also a respected coach and former player. Rivers has a long and successful career in the NBA, having played for over a decade before transitioning into coaching. He has coached several teams, including the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, and most recently, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Before the Sixers took on the Dallas Mavericks, Rivers shared with LandonBuford.com what he thought about Fishburne playing him.
“I think it’s the right choice; I’m joking. I’ve known [him] a little, but I met him at his house this summer. What I was impressed with, obviously, he is one of the great actors, was how serious his preparation is, said Rivers
“He called me a month ago and asked me what watch I had on what belt. Do I start my walk with my left foot or right? I’m like; I have no idea. I don’t know any of these answers, but it is cool that guys, just like athletes, are meticulous and prepared. It was really awesome to see his preparation on that.”
Rivers is also known for his leadership both on and off the court. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and has used his platform to speak out against racism and police brutality. In many ways, Rivers’ life and career serve as a microcosm of the larger issues that The Sterling Affairs will explore.
Fishburne’s portrayal of Rivers is sure to be a nuanced and powerful performance. As an actor, Fishburne has shown an incredible range, from his intense and brooding performance as Morpheus in The Matrix, to his more lighthearted role in Black-ish. He is able to convey emotion and depth through his performances, which will be crucial in bringing Rivers’ story to life.
The Sterling Affairs is an important project, as it seeks to examine the intersection of race, power, and sports in America. The controversy surrounding Donald Sterling’s ownership of the Clippers was a pivotal moment in the NBA, and the fallout from his comments continues to reverberate throughout the league. By exploring this story in depth, The Sterling Affairs has the potential to shed light on some of the more complex issues facing professional sports today.
Laurence Fishburne is the perfect actor to bring Doc Rivers’ story to life. His talent and experience will no doubt elevate the series, and his portrayal of Rivers is sure to be one of the highlights of the show. As fans eagerly await the release of The Sterling Affairs, there is no doubt that Fishburne’s performance will be a major talking point.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
