Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the NBA in 1979, with Johnson joining the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird joining the Boston Celtics.
The two teams had a storied rivalry that was fueled by the rivalry between the two superstars.
From the very beginning, Johnson and Bird were portrayed as polar opposites – Johnson as the charismatic African American from the West Coast and Bird as the stoic white guy from the Midwest.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the most iconic basketball players in NBA history.
Their rivalry on the court is legendary, but what many people may not know is that the two players eventually became friends off the court.
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Table of Contents
The Legendary Rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
- Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s epic rivalry began even before they joined the NBA in 1979.1
- These two collegiate basketball sensations mesmerized the nation with their outstanding performance, with Johnson representing Michigan State and Bird Indiana State.
- The 1979 NCAA championship was the first time these two greats clashed on the court, with Johnson leading his team to victory and lifting the national title.
- Bird won the Rookie of the Year award in the same year, but Johnson came back strong, winning his first NBA championship and NBA Finals MVP trophy.
- The duo’s most memorable battles came in the NBA Finals in 1984, 1985, and 1987. In their first meeting in 1984, Bird’s Boston Celtics emerged victorious in seven games, with Bird winning the NBA Finals MVP award.
- However, Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers evened the score the following year by clinching the championship.
- In their third and final NBA Finals clash in 1987, Johnson once again emerged as the victor, thanks to his famous “baby hook” shot that secured a crucial Game 4 win. The Lakers went on to win the series in six games, marking their fourth NBA championship win of the decade.
- These two players had a fierce competitiveness that brought out the best in each other, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation every time they faced off.
- Their college careers set the tone for the fierce rivalry that would follow. Johnson led Michigan State to victory over Bird’s Indiana State in the 1979 NCAA championship game, but Bird won the hearts of many fans with his impressive performance.
- After joining the NBA, the rivalry intensified, with Johnson leading the Lakers and Bird the Celtics to multiple championship victories. They faced off in three NBA Finals showdowns, with each series pushing both players to their limits.
- Despite the intense competition, Johnson and Bird had great respect for each other’s skills and accomplishments.
- Their rivalry was not just about winning games but also about pushing each other to be better and setting new standards for excellence on the court.
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When did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird become friends?
Their first NBA Finals matchup came in 1984, with the Celtics coming out on top. Johnson and Bird were at the center of the action, each trying to outdo the other.
The rivalry between the two players intensified over the years, with both players determined to win at all costs. Johnson once famously said that he hated Bird, and Bird reciprocated the feeling.
Despite their on-court animosity, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird began to develop a mutual respect for each other’s talents.
In 1992, the two players teamed up as part of the Dream Team, a collection of the best basketball players in the world that competed in the Olympics. The experience brought them closer together, as they were able to bond over their shared experiences and love of the game.
The friendship between Johnson and Bird continued to grow over the years, with the two players frequently appearing together at NBA events and public appearances.
They even starred in a series of popular Converse commercials in the early 90s, showcasing their friendship and mutual respect.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird: The Bond Deepens
The turning point in Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s relationship came in 2009, when Johnson revealed that he was HIV positive.
Bird reached out to Johnson to offer his support, and the two players spoke at length about their lives and careers.
The conversation was a revelation for Johnson, who realized that Bird had a deeper understanding of him than he had ever thought possible.
In the years that followed, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s friendship continued to deepen. They often spoke on the phone, and Bird even visited Johnson at his home in Los Angeles.
Happy birthday to my enemy turned great friend Larry Bird!! Larry was dominate since the day he stepped on the court at Indiana State and carried it one with the Boston Celtics! pic.twitter.com/IATlZj8q1s
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 8, 2022
When Johnson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, Bird was on hand to present him with his award.
In conclusion, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s relationship is a testament to the power of friendship and respect. Despite their early years of animosity and hostility, the two players were able to put their differences aside and develop a deep bond that lasted for decades.
Today, they are considered two of the greatest players in NBA history, and their friendship is a reminder that even the fiercest rivalries can be overcome with time and understanding.
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The Heartwarming Reason Why Magic Johnson Befriended Larry Bird
- Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s rivalry in the NBA is legendary. Their storied battles on the court are etched in the annals of NBA history.2
- In 1979, Magic Johnson and his Lakers faced off against Larry Bird’s Celtics in the NBA Finals for the first time. It was the start of a rivalry that would captivate fans for years to come.
- Over the next decade, they would meet in the Finals three more times, with the Lakers coming out on top twice.
- On the court, they were fierce competitors who would do anything to win. Off the court, however, they had a mutual respect for each other, but that was about it.
- Fast forward to 1985, and the two were filming a commercial for Converse. Magic recalls that they had been shooting for about three hours, and it was time for lunch.
- Magic was planning to have lunch in his trailer when Larry invited him to his house. Magic was hesitant, but when Larry mentioned that his mom had prepared lunch for them, he couldn’t resist.
- At Larry’s house, his mother brought out all the food, and just as they were about to start eating, Larry’s mom said, “Magic, you’re my favorite basketball player.”
- That broke the ice, and the two became friends right after that. Magic was touched by Larry’s kindness and hospitality, especially considering that they had just faced off in the NBA Finals, and the Lakers had emerged victorious.
- After that lunch, Magic and Larry’s friendship grew stronger. They would call each other regularly, even during the off-season.
- Magic admits that he used to hate Larry on the court, but off the court, he loved him. They even played together on the Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics, winning a gold medal for the United States.
Larry Bird: Biography
Larry Bird, the former basketball player for NBA’s Boston Celtics, is a true icon in the world of basketball. Known as “Larry Legend,” Bird has achieved incredible success in his career, earning multiple awards and holding numerous records.
Born in Indiana in 1956, Larry Bird began playing basketball at a young age. He was a standout player in high school and went on to attend Indiana State University.
There, he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1979, where they lost to Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans.
After being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Larry Bird quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
He was also awarded the Most Valuable Player award in the NBA for five seasons.
Larry Bird was known for his incredible shooting ability, his excellent scoring, and his masterful intimidation tactics. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and earned nine All-NBA First Team honors.
After retiring from basketball in 1992, Larry Bird went on to have a successful career as a coach and executive. He coached the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000 and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1998.
He also served as President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2012.
Larry Bird: Legacy
Larry Bird’s success on the court has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
His records and achievements speak for themselves, but he was also known for his incredible work ethic and his competitive spirit.
However, Bird’s high level of self-confidence sometimes led him to engage in trash talking, which has earned him some criticism. Despite this, his achievements and contributions to the game of basketball have secured his place in history as a true legend.
Larry Bird’s impact on the NBA cannot be overstated. He was a dominant player during his career and has continued to make significant contributions to the sport in his post-retirement years.
While his trash talking may have earned him some detractors, there is no denying his status as a true basketball legend.
Larry Bird: Personal Information
Name | Larry Joe Bird |
Born | December 7, 1956 |
Age | 66 Years |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 9 in |
Role | Small Forward |
Debut | October 12, 1979 |
Magic Johnson:
Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan on August 14, 1959.3
His father, Earvin Sr., worked as a General Motors assembly worker, while his mother Christine was a school custodian. Earvin was one of several siblings in the family.
From a young age, both of Earvin’s parents were passionate about basketball. In fact, his father had played high school basketball in Mississippi before moving to Michigan. It was no surprise then that Earvin developed an early interest in the sport, too.
Earvin attended Everett High School, where he quickly became a star on the basketball team. At just 15 years old, he even recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in one game, which earned him the nickname “Magic”.
After graduating high school, Earvin went on to attend Michigan State University, where he continued to play basketball. Throughout his collegiate career, Earvin continued to impress with his exceptional skills on the court and left a lasting impact.
FAQs
1. Who are Magic Johnson and Larry Bird?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the most iconic basketball players in NBA history.
2. When did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird become friends?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird began to develop a mutual respect for each other’s talents after playing together in the 1992 Olympics as part of the Dream Team. Their friendship continued to grow over the years, and the turning point came in 2009 when Johnson revealed that he was HIV positive.
3. What was the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s rivalry began before they joined the NBA, with Johnson leading Michigan State to victory over Bird’s Indiana State in the 1979 NCAA championship game.
4. How did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s friendship develop?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s friendship developed over time, with the two players frequently appearing together at NBA events and public appearances. They even starred in a series of popular Converse commercials in the early 90s, showcasing their friendship and mutual respect. Their friendship continued to deepen after their retirement from basketball.
5. What was the turning point in Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s relationship?
The turning point in Magic Johnson and Larry Bird’s relationship came in 2009, when Johnson revealed that he was HIV positive. Bird reached out to Johnson to offer his support, and the two players spoke at length about their lives and careers.