Earvin "Magic" Johnson is returning to his hometown Saturday for a sold-out gala in his honor, and residents who couldn't get a ticket can still watch for free.

The Legacy of Magic Gala, hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, celebrates Johnson and his family's decades of youth empowerment work in Mid-Michigan. The event will stream free on the News 10+ app beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, according to WILX.

Tickets are gone.

Johnson, who grew up shooting hoops at Main Street School in Lansing before starring at Everett High School and Michigan State, will deliver the keynote address. Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and other guests are expected to speak. News 10 Sports Director Tim Staudt, who has covered Mid-Michigan sports for 57 years, will emcee.

The gala features live and silent auctions, with proceeds funding YMCA scholarships and facility upgrades.

Johnson has been open about what the Lansing YMCA meant to his path. In an Aug. 13 interview published by HoopsHype, Johnson said: "If it wasn't for the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, I wouldn't be here today. And it was a blessing that they allowed me to sneak in because they knew I didn't pay and I couldn't pay, but they still allowed me to come in and shoot hoops, man."

Johnson led Everett to the 1977 state championship, won an NCAA title with the Spartans in 1979 and was drafted No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers that same year. He went on to win five NBA championships and three MVP awards.

How to watch: Download the free News 10+ app on Roku or a smart TV or streaming device by searching "News 10 Lansing." The stream begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.