NBA legend Magic Johnson recently joined an emotional and history-making celebration in Hollywood, honoring his longtime friend, tennis icon Billie Jean King . On a bustling Monday morning at the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, King made history as the first woman to receive a star in the newly launched Sports Entertainment category on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Her star now proudly sits across from the historic Pantages Theater.
Magic Johnson showered praise for his longtime friend and tennis legend Billie Jean King Crystal
Magic Johnson, who stood among a crowd of celebrities, fans, and former tennis greats, didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for his business partner, King. Sharing the moment on X, the Los Angeles Lakers legend wrote, "I am so honored that I was able to attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony for my incredible business partner and one of the greatest tennis champions in the world, Billie Jean King!"
In a heartfelt tribute, Johnson described King as an “inspirational force and change-maker,” applauding her lifelong fight for justice. “She has used her platform to advocate and advance equal rights for so many including women and members of the LGBTQA community ,” he continued.
“Billie Jean was a champion on the court but most importantly, she has championed others off the court her entire career. I’m so grateful that her and her wife Ilana asked me to speak on such a special day,” Johnson added.
King’s honor was also a symbolic moment for gender equality in sports. As she addressed the crowd, the 12-time Grand Slam champion shared that this moment was bigger than herself. “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” she told the audience.
Among those joining the celebration were Johnson and Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis , who delivered a powerful reflection on King’s legacy. “Billie Jean King's contribution is power. She's power on the courts, she's power in the courts, she's power in the press, power in her public advocacy, power in her fight for freedom, power to be who she is now,” the Everything Everywhere All at Once actress said.
Magic Johnson also took the stage to share a more personal note about their shared drive and mission: “We're just alike. We're super competitive as hell, we're control freaks because we know that if you put it in our hands we're going to win. You've been a winner your whole life, you love to help people and last but not least, you always will stand for what's right.”
Also Read: Magic Johnson shared heartfelt message for Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and his fellow NBA legends Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
For King, who grew up just 34 miles away in Long Beach and used to visit Hollywood as a child, the moment was personal. “My mother would have loved this,” she reflected, as her wife Ilana Kloss captured the occasion from behind the camera.
As the electronic marquee at the Pantages Theatre fittingly read: “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”
Magic Johnson showered praise for his longtime friend and tennis legend Billie Jean King Crystal
Magic Johnson, who stood among a crowd of celebrities, fans, and former tennis greats, didn’t hesitate to express his admiration for his business partner, King. Sharing the moment on X, the Los Angeles Lakers legend wrote, "I am so honored that I was able to attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony for my incredible business partner and one of the greatest tennis champions in the world, Billie Jean King!"
I am so honored that I was able to attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony for my incredible business partner and one of the greatest tennis champions in the world, Billie Jean King! Billie Jean is an inspirational force and change-maker. I will always admire how she… https://t.co/XnvlEFIPrO
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 7, 2025
In a heartfelt tribute, Johnson described King as an “inspirational force and change-maker,” applauding her lifelong fight for justice. “She has used her platform to advocate and advance equal rights for so many including women and members of the LGBTQA community ,” he continued.
“Billie Jean was a champion on the court but most importantly, she has championed others off the court her entire career. I’m so grateful that her and her wife Ilana asked me to speak on such a special day,” Johnson added.
King’s honor was also a symbolic moment for gender equality in sports. As she addressed the crowd, the 12-time Grand Slam champion shared that this moment was bigger than herself. “The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” she told the audience.
Among those joining the celebration were Johnson and Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis , who delivered a powerful reflection on King’s legacy. “Billie Jean King's contribution is power. She's power on the courts, she's power in the courts, she's power in the press, power in her public advocacy, power in her fight for freedom, power to be who she is now,” the Everything Everywhere All at Once actress said.
Magic Johnson also took the stage to share a more personal note about their shared drive and mission: “We're just alike. We're super competitive as hell, we're control freaks because we know that if you put it in our hands we're going to win. You've been a winner your whole life, you love to help people and last but not least, you always will stand for what's right.”
Also Read: Magic Johnson shared heartfelt message for Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and his fellow NBA legends Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
For King, who grew up just 34 miles away in Long Beach and used to visit Hollywood as a child, the moment was personal. “My mother would have loved this,” she reflected, as her wife Ilana Kloss captured the occasion from behind the camera.
As the electronic marquee at the Pantages Theatre fittingly read: “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”
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