Among the celebs who came to brush up against greatness were Andy Garcia, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson, and Paula Abdul.
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February 13, 2004 -- Magic Johnson's datebook: Wednesday - Statue unveiling of me. Thursday - American Express tribute of my life with friends and family. Yes, when you're a living legend, it's not about picking up the drycleaning and dental appointments. So it was that the place to be last night was at the Shrine Auditorium, when American Express honored Magic Johnson with an A-list, red-carpet tribute celebrating his life on and off the court.

Among the stars who came to brush up against greatness were Outkast's Big Boi, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Earth, Wind & Fire, Charles Barkley, Andy Garcia, Vivica A. Fox, Lennox Lewis, Chris Tucker, Steve Harvey, Arsenio Hall, Ricky Fontaine, Savion Glover, Wayne Brady and Paula Abdul.

“His style of play was extraordinary," Garcia said of Magic. "The way he pushed the ball up the court was really something to watch. The enjoyment of the game was special; that smile and that constant enjoyment and refusal to lose. And his generosity of spirit on and off the court was really special.”