Johnson to Get Statue at Staples

Although he never played there, Magic Johnson will be honored at Staples Center with the unveiling of a 14-foot bronze statue of him in front of the arena this evening. The ceremony begins at 5:15 and the public is invited.

Among those on hand to honor the Hall of Fame guard will be former Lakers Jerry West and James Worthy, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn and ABC announcer Brent Musburger, who broadcast Johnson’s first NBA game in 1979.

After the speeches, the statue of Johnson will be unveiled in the Star Plaza, just west of the corner of Figueroa Street and Chick Hearn Court.

Johnson also will be honored Thursday at the Shrine Auditorium, at the “Official Tip-Off Event of the NBA All-Star 2004 Entertainment.” The All-Star game will be played Sunday at 5:45 p.m. at Staples Center.