Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two of the greatest basketball players of all time. They played against each other in the NBA for over a decade, leading the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics respectively. Their rivalry on the court captivated fans and drove the NBA to new levels of popularity in the 1980s.
Off the court, many people wondered – do Magic and Bird actually get along? Or is their rivalry so intense that they can’t stand each other?
The rivalry begins
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the NBA together in 1979. Johnson was selected first overall by the Lakers, while Bird was drafted sixth by the Celtics. Both players made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year honors for their respective conferences.
It didn’t take long for a rivalry to develop between the two young stars. In just their second pro meeting during the 1979-80 regular season, Johnson’s Lakers got the better of Bird’s Celtics. The teams met again in the 1980 NBA Finals, with Magic and the Lakers earning the championship. The Lakers defeated the Celtics again in the 1985 Finals.
The constant competition between Magic’s Lakers and Bird’s Celtics drove TV ratings and drew in new NBA fans. Their rivalry was compelling both for their contrasting styles and personalities. Magic was flashy and outgoing, while Bird was more introverted and blue-collar.
Respect between rivals
Despite the intense on-court rivalry, Magic and Bird maintained high levels of respect for each other. Each recognized the other’s incredible skill and competitive fire.
“The first time I played against him, I knew he was different,” Bird said of Johnson. “He was something that you don’t see a lot of times in this league.”
Magic echoed those sentiments about his rival: “When I stepped onto the court against Larry Bird, it was just like two generals going to war… I always knew when I played against him that I had to be at the top of my game.”
Beyond respect, the two men recognized they needed each other to fuel interest in the NBA. Together they saved a league that was struggling for relevance before their arrival. The Magic vs. Bird matchup became must-see TV, pulling in millions of viewers who otherwise wouldn’t have tuned in.
“We were good for each other,” Bird said. “There are not a lot of players whose destinies are linked like ours were. It helped save the NBA.”
Lasting friendship
After retiring as players in the early 1990s, Magic and Bird served for a time as coaches and executives for their longtime franchises. Both are now prominent NBA analysts for Turner Sports.
In 2010, Magic and Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a book titled “When The Game Was Ours.” The book provided insight into their relationship beyond just on-court rivals.
What emerged was a picture of two men with deep admiration and affection for each other. Their rivalry was intense but never personal. It brought out the absolute best in both players.
In an interview promoting the book, Bird said of Johnson: “Magic and I are linked to each other. I know that’s never gonna change.”
Magic echoed the sentiment: “Larry and I, we’re always gonna be together, connected at the hip. People always only see the competition between us, but there was also a deep respect and bond.”
Key Moments in Magic and Bird’s Friendship
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Drafted into NBA – Rivalry begins |
| 1980 | Lakers beat Celtics in Finals |
| 1984 | Bird wins MVP, Johnson finishes second |
| 1985 | Lakers beat Celtics in Finals again |
| 1987 | Johnson wins MVP, Bird finishes second |
| 1992 | Both retire from NBA as players |
| 2010 | Release joint autobiography, “When The Game Was Ours” |
In 1992, Magic retired from the NBA after testing positive for HIV. It was Larry Bird who immediately called Magic to offer his support. At the time, HIV/AIDS remained highly stigmatized.
“I didn’t expect him to reach out like he did,” Johnson later said. “But that’s Larry.”
That simple act of humanity and compassion spoke volumes about the true nature of the men’s relationship. Rivalry was never bigger than basic human decency between them.
Conclusion
When fans saw Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird battle on the hardwood, they assumed it translated to bitter rivalry and hatred off the court. But the reality was quite the opposite.
From their earliest days in the NBA, Bird and Johnson recognized they could not reach their full potential without the other pushing them. This understanding bred mutual respect and admiration rather than resentment.
Once their playing careers ended, that respect blossomed into true friendship. Magic and Bird remain inextricably linked as the two men who saved the NBA and redefined basketball excellence.
Though forever rivals, Magic and Bird also have an unshakeable bond. They represent the very best of competition – bitter on the court, but still able to leave it all behind when the final buzzer sounds.
