LOS ANGELES (CBS) ? Magic Johnson is expected to join Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton at a discussion in Watts on Friday, then host a fund-raiser for Clinton's campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination at his home near Beverly Hills.

Though Johnson contributed gave $2,300 Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill.'s campaign, the former basketball player turned entrepreneur said he is endorsing Clinton because of her "unique understanding of the domestic and international issues" and because she "has the experience and knowledge to help lead our country and get us to a better place."

Record producer Quincy Jones, Motown founder Berry Gordy and music industry executive Clarence Avant will also help host the fundraiser. About 300 people are expected to attend. Ticket prices start at $500, Vizcaino said.

Sep 13, 2007 11:41 pm US/Pacific Magic Johnson To Host Fundraiser For Clinton
http://cbs2.com/politics/Magic.Johnson.Hillary.2.535697.html

Obama's surge of celebrity backing turns the tables on the Clintons, who have long enjoyed strong support from powerful Hollywood figures. Clinton isn't without her share of Hollywood fans who are working to augment her built-in name recognition ahead of Super Tuesday. Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Ron Howard, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Fran Drescher, John Grisham and Magic Johnson have all campaigned on her behalf, helping out with phone banks and making the occasional personal appearance. At a Clinton rally in L.A. on Saturday, such boldface names as Sally Field, Bradley Whitford and Christine Lahti were in attendance.

Obama's Celebrity Army By Jay Newton-Small/Los Angeles Monday, Feb. 04, 2008
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1709745,00.html

President Barack Obama is receiving large political contributions from a formerly underdeveloped source of campaign funds: The National Basketball Association.

Last Thursday, Obama held a fundraiser at the home of Dallas Mavericks player Vince Carter in Orlando, Florida. Carter is among many other NBA stars who have rallied behind Obama in support of his re-election bid.

This is not the first show of support for Obama by the NBA. According to the Washington Post in 2010 Obama held a birthday basketball game in which players who donated sizable contributions during the 2008 campaign cycle were given the opportunity to shoot hoops with the president. The Center for Responsive Politics lists the players who participated and their contributions:

•Earvin "Magic" Johnson ($31,900)
•Shane Battier ($4,300)
•Alonzo Mourning ($2,300)
•Etan Thomas ($7,300)
•LeBron James ($20,000)
•Grant Hill ($2,300)

NBA Players Fundraising Heavily For Obama 2012 Re-Election Campaign
The Huffington Post | By Leigh Owens Posted: 02/29/12 10:58 AM ET | Updated: 02/29/12 12:14 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/29/obama-fundraising-nba-players-2012_n_1299701.html