Basketball legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson "proud" of gay son

Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has admitted that he is "proud" of his son, who publicly stepped out with his boyfriend this week for the first time.

Earvin Johnson III, known as EJ, was spotted holding hands with his unidentified other half on Monday evening in New York.

"Cookie (Johnson's wife) and I love EJ and support him in every way," Johnson told TMZ. "We're very proud of him."

Johnson, who helped clinch five NBA championships for the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s, retired in 1991 after contracting HIV.