Magic Johnson and Larry Bird saved the NBA in the 1980s by having one of the greatest rivalries in all of sport. Johnson and Bird were great friends, but hated each other early in their careers playing for the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics, respectively.
In an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show," Johnson revealed that it took some time before he became friends with Bird. Their rivalry really started at the 1979 NCAA championship between Johnson's Michigan State and Bird's Indiana State. They only became friends after shooting a commercial for Converse in 1985.
"We were so much alike and then we shot a commercial," Johnson said.
•
70% Win
(110-25-1)
70% Win
(110-25-1)
';});pollOptions.innerHTML = pollOptionsDom;pollCount.innerHTML = totalVotes + ' votes';if (totalVotes > 10) {pollCount.classList.remove("hidden");}}function trackBetsTodayPollImpression() {var intersectionObserverForArticlePoll = new IntersectionObserver(function(entries) {entries.forEach(function(entry) {var pollId = entry.target.getAttribute("data-poll-id");if (POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['impression_tracked']) return;if (!entry.target || !entry.isIntersecting || entry.intersectionRatio < 0.5) return;setTimeout(function() {if (isInViewport(entry.target)) {POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['impression_tracked'] = true;var isDesktop = "1";var gaPayload = {"question" : POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['question'],"category": "Basketball","page_url": window.location.href,"option1": POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['option1'],"option2": POLLS_BY_ID[pollId]['option2'],}if (isDesktop) {gaPayload["device"] = "Desktop";} else {gaPayload["device"] = "Mobile";}gtag("event", "BETS_TODAY_POLL_IMPRESSION", gaPayload);intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.unobserve(entry.target);}}, 1000);});},{threshold: 0.5});var pollElements = document.querySelectorAll('.bets-today-poll');pollElements.forEach(function(pollElement) {var isAnswered = pollElement.querySelector(".poll-option-answered");if (!isAnswered) {intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.observe(pollElement);}})}return {answerPollX: answerPollX,};}();
"In the early beginning, we hated each other. We had to because he ended up on the Celtics, I ended up on the Lakers. You knew there was going to be hatred's there because the Celtics had beat the Lakers seven straight times (in the NBA Finals).
"They beat us in '84, so I had to hate him. I had to hate the Celtics. And then we shot the commercial, I believe in '87 (1985 actually), at his house in French Lick, Indiana, that when we became friends. That's when we finally said, 'We're more alike than we are different.'"
The friendship that developed between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird continued for the rest of their careers. According to a report by NPR, Bird was one of the first players Johnson called when he was diagnosed with HIV.
When the LA Lakers retired Johnson's jersey in 1992, one of the special guests was Bird. When the Boston Celtics retired Bird's jersey a year later, Johnson returned the favor and even wore a Celtics shirt underneath his Lakers warmups.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's rivalry
The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird started before they entered the NBA in 1979. The duo captivated the nation as collegiate players, with Johnson representing Michigan State and Bird repping Indiana State.
They faced off in the 1979 NCAA championship, with Johnson getting the upper hand by helping the Spartans lift the national title. Bird followed it up by winning the Rookie of the Year over Johnson, who later won his first NBA championship and first NBA Finals MVP trophy.
Johnson and Bird met at the NBA Finals three times in 1984, 1985 and 1987. Bird won their first meeting in seven games, winning the NBA Finals MVP. Johnson evened the series after helping the LA Lakers win the following year.
In 1987, Johnson won their third and final meeting by hitting his famous "baby hook" to beat the Boston Celtics in a pivotal Game 4. The Lakers triumphed in six games to win their fourth NBA championship of the decade.
USA's top sports cardiologists discuss Bronny James' cardiac arrest and recovery time here (Exclusive)
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Juan Paolo David
Feedback Thank You!
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
";modalText += "
"modalText += "
Please select an option.
Please provide your feedback.
"modalText += "
"modalPopup.closeOnEsc = false;modalPopup.setHeader("Why did you not like this content?");modalPopup.setContentText(modalText);modalPopup.addCancelOkButton("Submit", resetRatingAndFeedbackForm, sendRating);modalPopup.removeCloseModalIcon();modalPopup.disableDismissPopup();modalPopup.open();} else {sendRating(index);}}function sendRating() {var requestPayload = {"post_id": 1419335,"rating_value": ratingValue}if (ratingValue > 3) {requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = null;requestPayload.rating_feedback = null;} else {if (!$('input[name="drone"]:checked') || !$('input[name="drone"]:checked').value) {showErrorMessage('option');return;}if (!$(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea") || !$(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea").value) {showErrorMessage('note');return;}var selectedOption = $('input[name="drone"]:checked').value;var feedbackNote = $(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea").value;requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = selectedOption;requestPayload.rating_feedback = feedbackNote;}pureJSAjaxPost(addratingAPI, requestPayload, onsaveRatingSuccess, onsaveRatingFail, function() {}, true);}function resetRatingAndFeedbackForm() {var activeStars = Array.from($all('.rating span.rating-star.active'));for (var i=0; i < activeStars.length; i++) {activeStars[i].classList.remove("active");}if ($('input[name="drone"]:checked')) {$('input[name="drone"]:checked').checked = false;}var userNote = document.querySelector(".post-rating-feedback-note textarea");userNote.value = '';modalPopup.close();}function onsaveRatingSuccess() {modalPopup.close();savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie();$("#post-rating-layout").classList.add("hidden");$("#post-rating-message").classList.remove("hidden");window.setInterval(function showMessage() {$("#post-rating-widget").classList.add("hidden");}, 3000);}function onsaveRatingFail() {console.error('Saving post rating failed!');modalPopup.close();}function savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie() {userRatedPostIds.push(1419335);var expiryTime = new Date();expiryTime.setMonth(expiryTime.getMonth() + 12); // Expiry after 1 yearsetCookie("user_rated_post_ids", JSON.stringify(userRatedPostIds), expiryTime);}function isPostRatedByUser() {var userRatedPostIds = getCookie('user_rated_post_ids');if (userRatedPostIds) {try {userRatedPostIds = JSON.parse(userRatedPostIds);} catch (err) {console.error(err);return false;}} else {return false;}if(userRatedPostIds.indexOf(1419335) >= 0) {return true;} else {return false;}}function getRatingCountByPostId(postId) {return new Promise(function(resolve, reject) {pureJSAjaxGet(getRatingCountBaseURL + postId + '/rating/count',function(data) {try {data = JSON.parse(data);if (data.meta_value) {resolve(data.meta_value);}reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);} catch (err) {reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);}},function(err) {reject("Failed to fetch rating count for the post:" + postId);}, true);});}function showErrorMessage(messageType) {var messageContainerId = '#' + messageType + '-error';$(messageContainerId).classList.remove('hidden');window.setInterval(function () {$(messageContainerId).classList.add("hidden");}, 5000);}if (!isPostRatedByUser()) {getRatingCountByPostId(1419335).then(function(ratingCount) {if (ratingCount < 10) {$("#post-rating-widget").classList.remove("hidden");}}).catch(function(err){console.error(err);})}
FAQs
When did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird become friends? LA Lakers legend says they hated each other early in their NBA careers? ›
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson spent years competing against each other and being compared to each other. It took a 1987 commercial shoot in French Lick, Indiana, to bridge that gap. "In the beginning, we hated each other," Johnson said Wednesday on the "Dan Patrick Show." "I had to hate him because they beat us."
How did Larry Bird and Magic Johnson became friends? ›While most of us know how the rivalry started, not everyone knows how the NBA Hall of Famers' beautiful and lasting friendship was formed. According to Magic, it all began while filming their Converse commercial in Bird's hometown in French Lick, Indiana.
When did Bird and Johnson become friends? ›And then we shot the commercial, I believe in '87 (1985 actually), at his house in French Lick, Indiana, that when we became friends. That's when we finally said, 'We're more alike than we are different. '" The friendship that developed between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird continued for the rest of their careers.
How does Magic Johnson feel about Larry Bird? ›Magic Johnson admits to hating Larry Bird on the court, but he said he never felt that way about Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will be forever linked. Their meeting in the epic 1979 NCAA title game was the beginning of a long-lasting rivalry that helped spring the NBA to a new level.
Who was the rivalry between Magic and Bird? ›Larry Bird reflected on his big rivalry with Magic Johnson on his retirement night. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird starred in one of the most intense rivalries in the NBA, with many fans and former players considering them the saviors of the association due to their incredible duels in the 80s.
How many times did Bird and Magic meet in the finals? ›Magic and Bird even faced off in the NBA Finals on three occasions; 1984, 1985, and 1987.
Did MJ and Bird get along? ›Off the court, Jordan and Bird had a close friendship and often spent time together away from the game. In fact, Bird has said that Jordan was one of his closest friends in the league.
Are Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan friends? ›Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson have been close friends for a long time now. Meeting during their time in the NBA, the pair now have several iconic moments together. The duo has faced each other in the NBA Finals, won the Gold medal as part of the famous Dream Team, and are still very close friends in their 60s.
How did Magic and Bird saved the NBA? ›With the NBA struggling for an identity (Julius Erving was viewed as a novelty), Bird and Magic gave the NBA star power. Jordan was still in college when Bird and Magic played in their first NBA Finals. The rivalry allowed the NBA to become a form of entertainment.
What was Larry Bird's weakness? ›And when asked about Larry's weaknesses, Jordan's answer revealed the respect he had for Larry Legend's game. :He can't jump, and he's not quick," said Chicago's Michael Jordan, who clearly can and is. "But you can't increase your jumping ability or your quickness.
Who was a better player Larry Bird or Magic Johnson? ›
Career: Comparing both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's regular-season career data, we see that Larry Bird leads in Value Over Replacement Player, usage %, points, blocks, defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds, free-throw %, three point %, and minutes played statistical categories.
Who made more money Larry Bird or Magic Johnson? ›Magic Johnson made more than Bird, but less than Jordan. With NBA career earnings of $39 million, Johnson also found himself as one of the league's highest-paid players during his time.
When did the bird and magic rivalry start? ›Magic Johnson (left) and Larry Bird facing the press before the 1979 NCAA Final. Their storied rivalry in the NBA began at that game, the most watched in the history of college basketball.
Did Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have a rivalry? ›Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird were rivals on the basketball court but unlikely friends off of it. After Johnson's Michigan State Spartans defeated Bird's Indiana State Sycamores in the 1979 NCAA championship game, Johnson would be drafted first in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is the Magic's biggest rival? ›For a team like the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat are their natural rivals. Even though the heat have lapped the Magic as a championship outfit, their rivalry dates back to each franchise's founding. They have both been fighting each other for statewide supremacy and respect around the league against each other.
Did Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ever play together? ›Magic Johnson and Larry Bird once played together for Team USA back in 1978. Magic loved playing with Bird but didn't want to let Bird upstage him. If it weren't for Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, we might not even have the NBA today.
Were Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson friends? ›Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson have been close friends for a long time now. Meeting during their time in the NBA, the pair now have several iconic moments together. The duo has faced each other in the NBA Finals, won the Gold medal as part of the famous Dream Team, and are still very close friends in their 60s.
Were Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson friends? ›It is common knowledge that Dr Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson were close friends. Some might say that Magic learnt a lot from the former Laker owner, including aspects of business. The two were so close that there were times when they would take trips to Las Vegas.