Michael Jackson and physician Conrad Murray, MD, sought to add a full-time anesthesiologist to the pop star's entourage before his proposed comeback tour, according to trial testimony presented this week.

In a videotaped deposition, anesthesiologist David Adams, MD, described the March 2009 meeting, arranged by Dr. Murray, in which Mr. Jackson asked him to travel to London for the shows, CNN has reported.

While Dr. Adams noted that neither Mr. Jackson nor Dr. Murray detailed what duties an on-site anesthesiologist would be asked to perform, the implications were clear. He said Mr. Jackson told him, "I just need you to help me get my rest."

The testimony was part of the lawsuit the singer's mother and children have filed against concert promoter AEG Live over what they see as Mr. Jackson's wrongful death. The company was negligent in its hiring and lack of supervision of Dr. Murray, the suit argues. The company counters that the hiring was Jackson's own decision, and it wasn't aware of the doctor's actions.

Dr. Adams said he was willing join the team for a $100,000 per month, 3-year contract, after which Dr. Murray broke off all contact with him. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Murray cut a $150,000 per month deal with AEG Live to serve as Mr. Jackson's personal physician.

According to investigators, Dr. Murray began dosing Mr. Jackson with propofol to treat his insomnia in April 2009, a habit that led to his June 2009 overdose death. Dr. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011 and sentenced to 4 years in prison.

David Bernard