Kobe says Magic's support for gay son is a lesson in 'tolerance'

Over the weekend Magic Johnson came out in support of his openly gay son Earvin Johnson III and said he could be any happier for his 20-year-old kid. The former NBA great told TMZ that he and his wife Cookie "support him in every way" and "we're very proud of him."

Kobe Bryant was so impressed by Magic's stand on his son's personal life, he lauded Johnson's support as a lesson to be learned by everyone — including pro athletes.

"Of course Magic is supportive of and loves his son," Bryant told TMZ on Tuesday, "Why should anyone be surprised?

"What I can't tolerate is a lack of tolerance," he added.

Incidentally, Bryant was fined $100,000 in 2011 when he referred to a referee with a homophobic slur. The basketball player apologized the next day and learned from his mistake. He even scolded two fans in February on Twitter for their negative use of the word "gay."

Bryant's support carries a lot of weight — especially with all of the talk of a pro athlete reportedly ready to come out of the closet and continue playing. The strong implication from the Lakers star is that tolerance isn't just limited to parents and their children — but may soon make its way into relationships between straight and gay professional athletes.

The younger Johnson — nicknamed EJ3 — was spotted with his new boyfriend on the Sunset Strip and  told reporters he was a huge fan of his dad's former team, the Los Angeles Lakers,  and was "hoping and praying" for the team this season.

Both Magic and Kobe's stature in the world of sports means their statements could help pave the way for players coming out in the future.

It seems like it's only a matter of time.

Magic Johnson's son goes public with boyfriend and loyalty to Lakers

Magic Johnson's 20-year-old son was spotted making the scene on the Sunset Strip with his boyfriend this weekend and it's hard not to see the resemblance to his famous father — especially when he grins.

Earvin Johnson III — nicknamed EJ3 — was hand-in-hand with his equally smiling BF when TMZ caught up with the happy couple.  EJ3 is one of Magic's three children and it sounds like the father and son have a great relationship together. The former Lakers star has already told the gossip site," Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way." he added. "We're very proud of him."

And the bond between the NYU student and his wealthy dad — who is part owner of the Dodgers — extends into the world of sports too.  The younger Earvin said he caught a sneak peak at the "black print" of the remodeled Dodger Stadium and, from what he saw, said the new bathrooms looked "fabulous."

The fur-clad EJ — stylin' more like Walt Frazier's Clyde (sans purse) than Johnson's Magic — wasn't so enthusiastic about his father's former team's chances for the playoffs.

"The Lakers have a lot of work to do," he said. "I'm hoping and praying for my Lakers."

When the folks are in New York, it sounds like EJ plans the social agenda. According to TMZ, back in August, Magic tweeted, "Thx to my son EJ for hosting me at NYU. Look forward to taking him to dinner tonight in the city."

EJ might want to hope and pray mostly for a healthy Kobe Bryant.