Magic Weighs In On Charlie Sheen: 'If He Wants To Talk, I'm Here For Him'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Earvin "Magic" Johnson is speaking out on Charlie Sheen's announcement that he has HIV.

KCAL9 Sports Director Jim Hill spoke with Johnson prior to his appearance as the keynote speaker at a CBS Supplier Diversity Networking event Wednesday.

"What I'm asking [Sheen] to do is then go out and educate people and really get into the HIV and AIDS fight, and make sure he can go out and tell his story so that young people can understand that HIV and AIDS is out here in a big way," said Johnson.

The Lakers legend was one of the first celebrities to support Sheen on social media after the former "Two And A Half Men" actor revealed his HIV status in an interview with Matt Lauer on the "Today" show.

Johnson, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, has long been active in educating the Southland community about HIV/AIDS, but said having someone like Sheen doing the same could make an even greater impact.

"If he gets involved, it really takes our efforts to a whole 'nother level," he said.

Despite the media whirlwind - and potential legal action - that Sheen may be facing, Johnson offered his support for the troubled actor "in his own time."

"Whenever he's ready, I'm here for him," he said. "If he wants to talk, I'm here for him."

Sheen has reportedly reached out to Johnson, and the two are expected to talk soon.