National Basketball Association

Mass. gov raising funds with Lakers' Magic Johnson

Published Jun. 4, 2010 5:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

Massachusetts Gov. Deval (deh-VAL') Patrick is taking advantage of the NBA Finals being played in Boston to hold a re-election campaign fundraiser featuring Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson.

The hoops legend and one-time rival of former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird will join Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca (pah-lee-OOH'-kah).

Pagliuca's unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate earlier this year was managed by the Democratic governor's political adviser Doug Rubin.

The host committee includes Celtics coach Doc Rivers and player Ray Allen and his wife.

The event takes place at the Hotel Commonwealth on June 12, the day before Game 5 in the 2010 championship series between the Lakers and Celtics would be played.

The Lakers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series Thursday with a 102-89 win in Los Angeles.