Hollywood and the NBA have always collided, with Magic Johnson forming friendships with stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Cedric the Entertainer. But behind the glitz, one of his closest friendships remained in the shadows – until now. And the Hollywood figure in question might not be who you expect!

Robin Thicke shared a heartfelt Instagram post about his late father, Alan Thicke, and his decades-long friendship with Magic Johnson.

At the Cannes Film Festival’s amfAR gala, Robin shared, “When my father passed away, Magic Johnson said that when he first moved to Los Angeles to join the Lakers, the first celebrity he ever met was my father, and they remained friends ever since! They are both legends, and this moment filled my heart.”

It’s no shocker that Alan Thicke, best known for playing Dr. Jason Seaver on Growing Pains, had strong ties to the NBA. He was a true sports enthusiast, not just watching but actively engaging with the game. The fact he once played 3-on-3 with Michael Jordan and even hosted a celebrity basketball game featuring Jordan and other NBA stars shows how close his bonds ran in the league.

And Thicke’s love for basketball wasn’t just for show. In 2012, he appeared on The Breakdown podcast, where he passionately discussed his love for the game and shared insights into the NBA.

As for Magic Johnson, his connection to Hollywood goes far beyond friendships. He’s not just rubbing shoulders with the stars—he’s invested in the entertainment industry itself, proving once again that his influence stretches far beyond the basketball court.

Magic Johnson’s investment that brought him closer to the entertainment industry

Magic Johnson has consistently diversified his pursuits. After achieving basketball greatness, he successfully transitioned into the business realm. Smart investments with a cause to support are what have driven Johnson’s net worth which is now upwards of a billion. With a similar intent, Buck made a bold move in 2012 with the launch of his Atlanta-based cable network, ASPiRE.

His entry into television came through a partnership with Comcast Corp., which had first announced their collaboration. Then, on June 27, 2012, ASPiRE officially went live, opening a new chapter in Johnson’s post-basketball career.

But ASPiRE wasn’t just another network. Johnson envisioned it as a space to celebrate and uplift communities of color, showcasing their success through a lineup of short films, music, comedy, documentaries, and inspirational content. He couldn’t contain his excitement at the time, admitting in a phone interview, “This is so exciting for me. I’m pinching myself.”

For him, this was more than just a business move—it was personal. “This is big for myself and for the African American community,” he added. Deep roots in the industry with a vision for social upliftment, no wonder Magic Johnson shared close bonds with stars like Alan Thicke.

Magic Johnson and Alan Thicke’s friendship didn’t hinge on publicity or courtside appearances but built on shared respect, a love for the game, and decades of unspoken camaraderie. As the line between sports and entertainment continues to blur, it makes you wonder: How many more hidden friendships like this exist, shaping the stories we never knew?