Having Starred in His 1992 Music Video, Magic Johnson’s Heartfelt Tribute to Michael Jackson Resurfaces on the Internet

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson was an LA icon in his time. He shared a strong bond with one of the musicians ever, the one and only: Michael Jackson. The five-time champion has openly talked about how he used to accompany the legend on tours and even at one point invited him to attend a Lakers game. Jackson was one of the first people to support Johnson after his HIV admission. It’s been 14 years since Jackson passed away but fans still remember the friendship he shared with ‘E.J. The Deejay’.

While Johnson is continuing his vacation in Europe, a decades-old speech of his has resurfaced on the internet, reminding the fans of how the strong bond between him and the late artist formed.

With Kobe Bryant by his side, Magic shares a KFC story about Michael Jackson

The video features Magic Johnson giving a speech at Michael Jackson’s memorial service back in 2009. Besides him stood the late great Kobe Bryant, the only other NBA player in attendance. Addressing the huge crowd at the enclosed Staples Center, Johnson talked about the first time he met the ‘King of Pop’. Their meeting took place back in the 90s.

Jackson was working on a new song and wanted Magic Johnson, along with actor Eddie Murphy, to star in its video. Since Johnson had doubts, Michael agreed to do a one-on-one meeting with the athlete.

Upon reaching, Michael’s chef asked the player about his choice of food for the night. Johnson asked for a grilled chicken.

As he and Jackson were discussing the music video, the chef returned. While he brought the grilled chicken for Johnson, he brought “a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)” for Michael.

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No sooner had Johnson completed his sentence, laughter erupted in the crowd. A brief moment of happiness at such a somber event.

“That was the greatest moment of my life,” said the five-time NBA champion as the attendees laughed and clapped. “We had such a good time, sitting on the floor, eating that bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken.”

Magic Johnson starred as the ‘Pharaoh’s servant’

It’s hard to imagine an artist with a net worth of over $500 million enjoying a KFC bucket when he could have any type of food from any corner of the world.

Then again, it’s always the simple things that make life better. Furthermore, that bucket could have been the reason Magic eventually agreed to be a part of Jackson’s music video.

Johnson would go on to play the role of a servant who announced the arrival of various performers. Eddie Murphy played the role of an Egyptian Pharaoh in “Remember the Time”.

From the looks of it, each and every one of them had a good time being involved with the project.

What are your thoughts on the bond between Magic Johnson and Michael Jackson? Let us know in the comments down below.

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