Sharon Stone is in love again -- with retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Rick Fox.

Fox, who split from his wife Vanessa Williams in 2004, has reportedly started dating the "Basic Instinct" star, but the couple are keen to keep their romance a big secret for the time being, according to publication In Touch.

A source says, "Rick is smitten with her. He is waiting for the opportunity to take her out in public."

At 36, the sports star is 11 years younger than Stone, who was recently romantically linked to Scottish talk-show host Craig Ferguson.

Stone was named as the sexiest over-40 celebrity in a poll featured in the latest issue of Sylvester Stallone's health and fitness magazine, Sly. She beat Aussie super model Elle Macpherson and Madonna on the actor¡¯s Hottest Women Over 40 list.

Editor: Donald