Fan Request: Magic Johnson & Larry Bird | Letterman

[@LFKGooner]

Magic Johnson's laughter is infectious for real.

[@kalamere]

greatest smile ever

[@brittgray1324]

Yes

[@obiohaz6023]

underrated joke

[@ozmond]

Guess what else is infectious…

[@LFKGooner]

@@ozmond I know what you are insinuating.

[@1234jokerboy]

Best introvert+extrovert combo in history

[@jojoj3243]

Introvert or not, Bird is every bit as entertaining as Barkley (off the court).

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@jojoj3243Larry the Legend arguably the best to ever lace up a basketball sneaker. Give me Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Larry the Legend as my all time frontline.

[@julieb7785]

@@aarondigby5054 If you haven't seen ESPN's 30 for 30...there is documentary on Walton and another on the Celts/Lakers rivalry.......they are so well done.

[@timkelly5609]

@@jojoj3243 Hes' no introvert. He is the greatest trash talker to play the game. He's selective how he talks. That isn't introvert. 1234

[@chefdemarco5013]

Man I could watch two hours of them talking together. What a pair of legends!

[@danielikelman481]

Magic and Bird together is pure gold

[@The_Gallowglass]

Imagine a team with MJ, Magic, Bird, Kareem, Stockton

[@ValentinaRacing1]

I love em.. Off court buddies forever. On court? Lets go!

[@RobertVilla-o1q]

@@The_GallowglassStockton? WTF? You had me until him. Magic will always be my PG! Five chips to zero!

[@metadeth578]

@@The_Gallowglass i would put barkley on and take stockton off

[@kodyscot9360]

magic had aids for 30 plus years and still alive....Eazy E died in 6 months. conspiracy????

[@thedude4672]

Man, I loved watching these guys play each other in the 80s. 2 GOATs

[@goodwillhumping7331]

how can there be 2 GOATs?

[@johnlozauskas778]

Plus, they were and still are humble. They said it best, if they still could compete with each other, they would. Hearts of champions!!

[@matthewmehegan3475]

@@goodwillhumping7331 That's one helluva point. 👍

[@briancleveland6115]

​@@goodwillhumping7331two people can tie for number one.

[@briancleveland6115]

​@@matthewmehegan3475They tied for number one.

[@zd3365]

Arguably this is the best interview Dave ever did.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

I have been more of a fan of Leno and Craig Ferguson as interviewers who consistently took care of their guests, but I have to admit that this was a great interview.

[@richinoable]

It is THOROUGH. Like he knows, but he can get them to explain it...

[@stephenkennedy8305]

Well Bill Burr was a killer interview

[@fishhuntadventure]

@@grizzlygrizzle Ferguson is shallow

[@privatepenguin3137]

Often times I'll watch a 2 minute video on KZbin and think "well...that's 2 minutes I'm never getting back". This video was 21 minutes and I wished it could have lasted forever.

[@100hooker]

Have you seen their documentary ? Well worth the time

[@pfneuman]

I was thinking the same thing. I was very disappointed when I looked at the minutes while watching and saw that the red dot was almost at the end. More of these guys please!

[@idkjames]

Why do they ask about documentary films? They are only gonna say that due to royalty. Wont ever give true opinion

[@LetsBeHonestImAPrat]

@@100hookerwhich one is it? I thought they were promoting a play

[@100hooker]

@@LetsBeHonestImAPrat It’s called, Magic & Bird: A Courtship Of Rivals.

[@AidanS99]

Bird saying that after hearing about Magic that he didn’t want to play basketball that day really speaks volumes to the kind of person he is, and the real friendship that they have. Absolutely touching.

[@MrT67]

Even now, French Lick's population is less than 2,000 and it's high school, Spring's Valley, has a roll of less than 500. What are the odds of such a tiny place producing a basketball player of Larry Bird's caliber; one of the greatest to ever play the game? Incredible.

[@steviechampagne]

The Hick from French Lick turned into one of the 5 greatest players to ever play

[@MrT67]

@@steviechampagne Absolutely. I don't like getting into debates about who is number one, particularly when there are 5 different positions to compare. But top 5 for Larry, absolutely.

[@Dre_Key]

Legends aren’t everywhere 👌

[@ErickBerry-k6y]

Magic is gotta be up there in that countdown as well. Is Luka as good as Larry? That's a good question!!

[@mr.cookie7308]

There is absolutely nothing to do in Frech Lick besides shoot hoops so they better get their game on.

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

There was no color between these two, they looked each other with the utmost respect and have an unbreakable friendship

[@jarekwajcfeld6610]

two god guys simple

[@jameswalker6864]

The color is there, but it's irrelevant. Just 2 guys as the other user said.

[@jeshkam]

Brothers from different fathers.

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

@@jeshkam well put jeshkam my good man

[@78tag]

It is well documented that for sure in Larry's case - everyone was just another player (except when it came to who the opposing coach would put on the floor to defend Larry 😀). The only judgement was whether they were any good or not.

[@markhildebrand2417]

Larry's sense of humor is hilarious! I'll bet when it's just the two of them, they're laughing most of the time.

[@alvinwagner6085]

And they bust each others stones every chance they get you can be sure

[@ColdChillin20]

@@alvinwagner6085hell yes exactly how real friends do it

[@richardlindell9976]

Can you imagine the practical jokes these two probably have done to each other over the years.

[@jayltmoon]

As a Hoosier it was amazing to watch Larry Bird grow into Larry Legend. The epic battles between the Lakers and the Celtics are etched in sports history forever.

[@billyc768]

Larry Bird was a Hoosier for a few weeks. I think Bobby Knight just wasn't his cup of tea.

[@alexatanasie3302]

Basketball royalty right there!!!! Thank you Magic&Bird for all the great games...Legends.

[@joelapera6676]

these are superstar gentleman not todays motor mouths

[@schoc13]

@@joelapera6676exactly!

[@richardlindell9976]

Absolutely

[@bigdogv6543]

NO ONE balled out like these two. Past or present. They both made each other the best.

[@WeCube1898]

Greatest Rivalry

[@EvansFanily]

Superheroes

[@jdp0359]

Magic made a great point at the end of the video that was basically ignored by Letterman. He said we made passing fashionable again. That is one of the most underlooked talents they brought to the game! They were 2 of the best passers the game has ever seen.

[@patrickmcnally9302]

I noted that statement - wish he had time to explore that a bit but the shot clock was winding down.

[@jdp0359]

@@patrickmcnally9302 Yes your right in fairness to Letterman, he was almost out of time. I do agree it would have interesting listening to them talk about passing.

[@electric7man]

Jokic def banging that drum. I'm saying that as a T'Wolves fan

[@fce2357]

Yes u are right

[@samuelsessions2817]

Their passing ability was otherworldly. Athletes like this make you wonder how humans can do this.

[@craigroeser181]

Magic and Bird two of the all time greats of basketball and life! I truly loved seeing those two again, and seeing that dynamic between them! Just awesome!

[@stellarwind1946]

Larry’s dry sense of humor cracks me up

[@privatepenguin3137]

Reminds me of another guy from Indiana 😊

[@L555HEP]

I think he's British

[@motorcycleworld5941]

​@@L555HEPjohn Lennon comes to mind

[@Ck-py9oi]

What do u mean dry

[@owenhershey13]

@@Ck-py9oi understated, like he's just talking, telling a story, and all of a sudden you realize it's really funny

[@elizabeterodrigues5779]

Never get enough of these two guys, they did not just change basketball, they touched and changed lives.

[@edmckimmy6159]

Respect for and to both of them👊

[@lordemed1]

their friendship-came from their intense competition with each other...then respect, then love...one of the best stories in all of sports.

[@marcoramirez580]

Two of the greatest to EVER play the game. Massive RESPECT for these two!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@vrvaughn]

I love Magic.. his laugh is infectious… His smile is effervescent… He took his basketball career and did so much with the money and the celebrity after it was over, for his community, his city and humanity.

[@Dre_Key]

I’ve literally seen him in person at his movie theatre thronged by people. He not only built businesses and created jobs but he came around a lot. I’ve never seen any entertainer do this in inner city neighborhoods.

[@546people]

I don’t want to be negative but these two make Isaiah Thomas look bad. The true rivalry with a ton of brains and heart on display in this video.

[@michaelbeale518]

Thomas has done a lot of charitable work. As much as any player. He's ignored because of his actions in leading the Pistons. ​@@546people

[@toddmichaels-haggardlawfir2860]

He really is the best guy ever.

[@carolyngordin6091]

STILL TRESPASSING

[@kennethjohnson8570]

Bird and Magic are a classic example of how true friendship is measured by the content of ones character and not the color of their skin. Two young men, who became rivals, ( the first Catlin Clark and Angel Reese, without social media), and pitted against each other by segments of our society, largely along racial lines to determine who was the best. The respect they have for each other and the friendship these two champions forged along the way has become legendary and inspiring.

[@notcrazy6288]

Top, racial division is much worse now than it was during the 80s and 90s, and neither one of these great men deserves to be compared to Angel Reese.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

Agreed. Back then they could joke about race. But there's another BIG influencer today who's bringing patriots together regardless of race, under a banner of unity. And there's another guy who brings in health issues that affect all of us, who has allied with him. Brighter days may well be ahead, despite the economic wreckage ahead. Maybe in the process of saving America, all of the recent disunity will pass away. -- And by the way, Aliyah Boston was one of Caitlin Clark's earliest allies, and then Kelsey Mitchell got on board, and that seemed to spark up Lexie Hull. Teamwork beats race.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

​@@notcrazy6288 Definitely heightened racial tension these days.

[@jerrymauro8873]

When Magic was diagnosed with HIV many people turned their back on him but Larry Bird was by his side. That is a TRUE FRIEND when you are in need 👍

[@ericberger3648]

Amen

[@jerryseller1076]

When I found out by watching ESPN that he had aids I cried. He was a hero to me. I patterned my game after him because I couldn't get in with the giants in the paint. So I learned how to pass before I would shoot the ball.

[@b42baritone]

I always felt when Magic announced he had HIV. I had a feeling that Larry was going to retired soon. He did.

[@lauriemoss5011]

He didn't have aids.

[@jerryseller1076]

@@lauriemoss5011 yes he does.

[@markanthony4507]

Just two wholesome guys.. Great ball players and even better men..

[@joshmellon7269]

Great comment!!

[@Kinikia95]

Earvin is not wholesome.

[@carefulcarpenter]

Two midwesterners that understand manhood.

[@carefulcarpenter]

​. The Bible tells us that no man is good. And also that one often sees in others what they refuse to see in themselves. This is an excellent friendship worth sowing to the kids who love team sports.

[@mrho4speed]

One of the best interviews Letterman has ever done. Love both of these players and the respect they have for each other and the respect they had for the game and the love of competition!!

[@phoebus]

Letterman shows what a bad joke today's late night hosts are.

[@imaseeker100]

@@phoebus I disagree but Dave was on his game for this one.

[@phoebus]

@@imaseeker100Yeah right, all they are is mouth pieces for the democrat party and lie just as much and aren't funny.

[@arnoldtaanman2346]

Dave Stutterman.. yeez. He won the ehm b a that night.

[@jonsoares6557]

You nailed it! Respect!

[@OGMillwood]

Still remember watching this live. What an absolute pair of legends.

[@Rek_Rc]

Its so rare for two sports rivals to be as impactful as these two all time greats. Then for it all to end on genuine mutual respect and real friendship is just icing on the cake. Ali and Frazier almost made it to real friendship, but were always a little on edge with each other. Magic and bird are totally comfortable together.

[@jonasbelrhazi7170]

True. The most impactful rivalry has to be Messi and Ronaldo but they never made it to real friendship either.

[@natbrain9149]

Federer and Nadal with tennis is another good example

[@jameswalker6864]

@@jonasbelrhazi7170 Cristiano and Messi, despite not being friends, have a surprisingly respectful relationship, they always speak well of each other.

[@JHKCF]

I think I heard a story of Ali giving or loaning Frazier money when he was broke.

[@synapse1able]

What an ovation when they came in to two of the greatest basketball players whoever play the game

[@carlmay9532]

Damn. I could have listened to these two for hours.

[@staceyhorton228]

Love their rivalry & friendship! No body has done for the NBA than these 2!! Brought so much to the sport!! Thank you both for the heart & memories!! Larry Legend!!! #33!!!!

[@SonofHyperionX667]

Magic just seems like such a happy smiley person. It's infectious. 😀

[@hi-tych]

😮

[@eabruin15]

i met him at dodger stadium in 1995 and we walked to his car and he treated me like family always looking in my eye.

[@spy1965]

He's a con-man

[@BearbearbearbearbearbearRarrrr]

I love how excited and “in awe” DL is here…these two Magic Men.

[@SWEETMAN57]

These two gentlemen literally saved the NBA from going out of business and made it what it is today. This is a legendary moment right here. I love it.

[@rha101]

I feel so fortunate that I grew up at a time when I saw them in their prime. I'm a dedicated Laker fan and lived and died over the years through their success or failures so I hated the Celtics. Still, you can't help but admire Bird too. It truly was a golden age for the NBA.

[@thomasbalsamo3734]

I STILL HATE THE CELTICS!

[@100hooker]

Same here, my mom and I were huge Laker fans going back to the days of Wilt and Jerry through the Showtime era and until Shaquille left. The last straw for me was when Chick passed, it just changed for me. Mom kept watching til she passed. I could tell you most of the starters from the other teams they played, now I couldn’t tell you anyone playing for the Lakers other than Lebron.

[@bphilbac]

I still have the recorded championships on VHS tapes from back then. That was my favorite time in the NBA.

[@thomasbalsamo3734]

@@bphilbac So do I......

[@MBGolfer]

I had never seen this and I am 62. I watched these guys through the battles. This is pure gold!!!!!

[@KB-xp6dq]

It was absolutely surreal to be in L.A. when Magic made his announcement. Immediately afterwards, the man got a version of living through his own funeral for days (if not weeks) on end. Driving home from work on the day, a radio station kept playing Magic's statement over "Purple Rain," and I was a complete mess by the time I got there. Everyone genuinely thought he was in denial when he insisted that he was going to beat it because such a thing just didn't seem remotely possible at the time. Thank goodness Magic knew something the rest of us didn't.

[@edoniszk1615]

From far off Australia… we are still in awe of what these guys brought to the court…my memory of the ‘80s and their positive effect on the NBA will always stay with me… GOATS to the end👍🍷

[@ChilliCheezdog]

I live in England. I have never heard of Larry Bird. This is so good. These people are so good. I love the closeness of these two respected men.

[@jimbertrand7247]

See if you can find any documentaries on their rivalry or the rivalry of their teams (Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers). The talent is self evident.

[@ChilliCheezdog]

@@jimbertrand7247 I appreciate your comment, Jim. The search is on.

[@lemongavine]

Look up his highlights. He was unbelievable

[@ronniechilds2002]

You might want to look up Bird's highlights on KZbin. (Magic's also, of course.) I've seen many many hours of these guys playing, and they amaze me every time. I always start to wonder if they're human.

[@privatepenguin3137]

Love your logo! I'm seeing Jeff Lynne in Boston in September!!

[@albertpahati5888]

MAGIC JOHNSON has the MOST WONDERFUL SMILE in the NBA.

[@annemccord2015]

Friends and rivals for life. Larry and Magic. The best of the best.

[@HenryKelpe-ed4hm]

And this interview was totally unscripted, just like there playing days. They even made Dave better and they were humble friends to this day! Everyone who got to watch them play were truly blessed! Thank you Larry and Magic. Amen 🙏

[@rickykenny4257]

This is video is iconic! Magic and Bird made passing fashionable on the playgrounds. The fact that one was black and the other white played a huge roll in barbershop talk. For me this two are a history lesson in life. Enemies on the court great friends off the court with mutual admiration and respect for one another. They absolutely saved the NBA, and changed the game forever. 🙏🏿❤️✌🏿🏀

[@anthonyvalade2959]

These 2 are the odd couple! Watching these 2 growing up playing against each other and seeing them now as best friends is so awesome!

[@benmaurer8055]

Amazing story...of the 2 all time greats

[@loriwitmer6596]

I grew up watching these 2 playing. Larry Bird was my fav player back then. Also, my Dads fav player, ever. My Dad passed away 3 years ago. He was 88 years old. My grandson was 11 when Dad passed. I taught my grandson about Larry Bird. He drew a picture of Larry, and placed it in his Great grandfather's casket. My grandson loves basketball. Hes played on many leagues, school ball, YMCA, and many town leagues. Larry was one of the best. Magic, as well.

[@DreamWriterInk4u]

Magic is THE best. Plays all positions with finesse and excellence

[@JS-sy8do]

These guys were so great to watch. Then Jordan. Basketball was at it's peak. Beautiful interview and display of their friendship. They're STILL a pleasure to watch.

[@rcdesigns]

They both agreed during dream team practice that there was a new sheriff in town lol

[@BallCDO]

​@cesarventura5282Ant Man taking the torch now

[@terrencemarshall5982]

Two players on my Mount Rushmore with MJ. Salute!

[@giltubul]

I love these two legends both so much! Larry Legend and Magic - THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!

[@jpkaneshida5075]

There have been influential athletes but these 2 literally saved an entire league, while being the foundation for creating the most unparalleled time in sports; an entire decade full of excellence and elevated play never before seen. I'm a 3rd gen Angeleno, grew up with the Lakes through 3 arenas. My childhood has an Auerbach dark cloud to this day. I say this because in the 80s when the Celts rolled into LA or the Lakes into Boston, it was drop everything else. There's nothing and never will be anything to rival the 1980s NBA. What a time it was.

[@viterievents-nightlifeeven9870]

I was very fortunate that my father loved the Lakers and always had season tickets for all the years of the Showtime era with Magic Johnson. I got to see the Lakers against the Boston Celtics, the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers among all the great teams they played. And still even lucky enough to go to all the playoff games and championship games. I will never forget those games and will always be grateful to my father for creating and sharing those memories with me. ❤

[@Redishprint]

How absolutely humble Magic is, he never said his better than Larry, That's true friendship.

[@GuapoSantana]

Why would he say that?

[@Redishprint]

@@GuapoSantana because Michael Jordan definitely would 🤣

[@cnath3466]

This was so precious, thank you! They are both great players and great human beings.

[@chrisgrissom3610]

This is old school at it's finest.... Love it

[@EbenezerEghan-l4c]

One of the best friendships of all time. That is the essence of sports

[@gazooie1958]

These two fueled the greatest NBA rivalry in history. Glad to say I was there to watch it all.

[@Dre_Key]

We were blessed to see them play, and even be on the dream team together

[@autryclaytonjr]

I was wrong for so many years about Bird. Respect....

[@jonsoares6557]

I felt the same about Magic. Until the announcement about his HIV! It brought awareness to an UGLY disease!

[@caseya2151]

Bird, Magic and Jordan... did a lot more than change basketball... they brought to the game what the real meaning of what sports competition is all about and know that there is a real world that exists off the court. I consider myself very lucky to witness both Magic and Bird on the court at the same time. Those were the days... it was all about the Lakers and Celtics... Baseball took second seat. Beantown was rich in sports back then.

[@johnboehmer6683]

I think I speak for a lot of people outside of the Boston and Los Angeles areas, that I just got so sick of those 2 teams being in the championship every freakin' year...even though I loved basketball at the time, I wouldn't even watch by about '85 or so. But looking back on it, I now have an appreciation for that rivalry, and how great they both were.

[@claramitchell746]

This interview was wonderful!!! A great many insights about them both.👌🏾🌺🏀🏀🏀

[@twolak1972]

2 legends of the game. Past their prime & retired but the respect for each other never faded . What a couple of role models .

[@EbenezerEghan-l4c]

Larry Bird is my favorite of all time.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

I love the joy that these two guys played with. Many times the cameras caught them smiling and enjoying a game they both loved... like right after they had stepped on an opponent's neck. That respect for their careers really comes through here. They played against each other like they wanted to tear each other's throats out. And look at them today... that's how you live a life.

[@josephclum7614]

Larry looked so mad in the beginning magic was just cracking up 🤣

[@jonseals]

I love them both so much. They were my guys, my era. Thanks for running this again.

[@javianjohnson8746]

You can tell that when Larry was talking about his honest reactions to Magic's HIV diagnosis and thinking that he was going to lose his friend in 9 years, Magic really felt the love. That's so genuine. Also, its really interesting to learn that Magic and Bird never "hated" each other like we were all taught, but just respected each other on a competitive scale so highly that they just wanted to beat the breaks off each other lol

[@78tag]

...just another case of the MEDIA telling people what to think.

[@100navat]

Seems like the only players these 80s legends genuinely hated were the Pistons

[@grizzlygrizzle]

@@78tag -- American businesses used to be like that-- competing strongly but in mutual respect. But since he rise of the MBA/beancounter mentalities, that has gone out the window.

[@johnmchenry8293]

I was a Philly kid and had no real interest in the NBA. But then Dr. J came to town in 1977. I was hooked. That interest in bball was heightened with the 1980 entry of the Bird-Magic or Magic/Bird show. That's pretty much the extent of me caring about bball. The NBA will NEVER be as good as it was in the 1980s.

[@thefirstdude]

If I could give this one more thumbs up, I would. Thanks to all 3 involved!😎👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@tiamaria44]

Magic's voice and smile never changed. Bird's jokes are so witty and good. Rivals to friendship! Amazing❤

[@perspicator5779]

Classic! One of the absolute best Bird/Magic interviews ever! Legends! Love these guys!

[@Tbone51]

In my book, these two are the two best and together, even better!

[@michaelh2970]

When basketball was it's best by far.

[@Eyobs90]

I keep repeatedly coming back to this interview and it's because of the fact that these two gentlemen are those humans that I wish we all are!! Kudos to their genuine humanity the world be able to see!

[@amberpaigejames9054]

I like that Magic is wearing a light blue necktie. It could be a reference to Indiana State. Could be a super classy move, and I'm here for it.

[@golga14]

Good observation!

[@eihtballjnky]

I doubt it I think people just look too much into things

[@marciaross7786]

I was BLESSED to watch these 2 men during this era

[@Jindsing]

From tape delay to live tv. These 2 saved the NBA

[@SharkWithFreakinLaserBeam]

Dang you can tell these guys still felt the same emotions inside when retelling those stories, happy or sad.

[@jasonmoyer6029]

I remember watching the 79 championship as a kid. I was never a die hard basketball fan, but I did love watching these guys. Great to see how good of friends they are and continue that friendship beyond the game. Great interview.

[@bphilbac]

I remember that championship also. I was 16 years old at that time.

[@johnboehmer6683]

Mind blowing to me that it's still the highest rated NCAA basketball championship ever.

[@georgehowelliii5666]

Two of the Greatest players of all time!! Great video, too!

[@PizzaTime727]

I started watching the NBA as a kid when these guys had their rivalry. True lagends and a high standard set for all time.

[@JohnnyBravo-zu9oe]

80s basketball was GREAT! These guys were pioneers...

[@patrickdawson561]

Love both of these guys. Thanks for all the great memories fellas.

[@jthai6149]

This is a great interview. I never tire of watching these two legends.

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

I saw the 1979 game with them on tv. Then I saw them both live in the NBA. Thank God for them.

[@louperiera4687]

Let's face it folks, these two class acts literally saved the NBA! I feel extremely fortunate to have grown up watching these two gentlemen compete in the greatest rivalry of professional sports, period!

[@steviechampagne]

These 2 guys not only saved the NBA, but they created the beginning of the modern NBA. The most iconic rivalry in sports, Magic vs Bird.

[@lanceharlow8621]

Agreed. The next iconic rivalry is going to be Jordan vs. the entire ‘96 Bulls😂😂😂

[@joeblough261]

Lool

[@db-hj9cu]

They came in together and left together. Both of their careers abruptly cut short. NBA messed up when they didn't put them in the hall at the same time like magic suggested

[@jameswalker6864]

Federer vs. Nadal? Nadal vs. Djokovic? Pelé vs. Maradona? Cristiano vs. Messi? Kasparov vs. Karpov? The most iconic rivalry in basketball, but not all of the sports.

[@richardhughes6492]

You never heard of Wilt & Russ? Frazier & Ali? Yes these guys had an all-time rivalry, just not the greatest.

[@Speed_Cristiano]

Wow What amazing human beings as well as amazing players Love and respect from Ireland

[@bonnieplasha4684]

Thank you for saying so! ☘️ Dia duit!

[@carlosdanger7907]

MJ is the greatest basketball player of all time but NOBODY will EVER be more important to the game of basketball than Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

[@100hooker]

They resurrected the game.

[@markjackson6431]

@@100hookerthey walked so MJ could flllyyyyy

[@nickcliche]

Thank you for adding absolutely nothing to the conversation

[@anthonychouse5514]

Well said. ✅

[@lukelucky1311]

This and MJ and Barkley on Oprah two classic interviews This one better imo

[@erikcote9819]

Grew up in Boston area, goes without saying Bird and Magic figured prominently in those formitive and transformitive years. Felt the same way as Larry B...hated the Lakers and Magic but had total respect for Earvin. Was in my college dorm when a friend from LA told me about Magic's diagnosis...utter shock, disbelief and sadness. Thought WE were going to lose Magic, as if time stood still for a bit. Love these men among men.

[@adrianmiller1971]

Larry is the greatest pure shooter there ever was, period.

[@lawrencebrodsky8894]

And with either hand.

[@eveg1059]

Steph curry has entered chat.

[@shevincoe]

Larry was a great shooter, but Steph is on a whole different level.

[@Skinnypete38]

Steph is the best shooter. But saying Larry is a pure shooter is wrong, you forget that the guy averages LeBron numbers, Bird's one of the greatest all around players ever.

[@elliotselmon7581]

PERIOD!!!

[@adlwilliams]

"He wanted to shake everybodys hand, i wanted to take 3 of them teeth home with me" Larry is a straight up killer😂

[@TheProdigyAccordion]

He is like the only dude that can talk to Magic Johnson like that lol

[@bonnieplasha4684]

That is my very FAVORITE funny line of all the joking that Larry does with Magic. 🤣🤣🤣

[@itsmeprasad1987]

One of the great interviews

[@KNNY61]

Honestly, being from California, and a white dude, yet I followed the Lakers those years. Because of Magic, or so I think, those Laker games were always referred to as 'Showtime'. And that team was literally fun to watch. I didn't know much about Bird or the Celtics, but that Laker-Celtic rivalry heated up pretty fast. I remember watching Larry and thinking 'he's not that good. But then I began to notice more of the things he was doing to help his team. I noticed how good a shooter he was, and by the time that rivalry was indeed cemented, while still a Laker fan, I couldn't wait to see those guys play. I still remember how Bird would usually know when the shot left his hand if it was good. I remember when he got his own rebound from his missed shot and put it in because he knew what the others could not see. For a brief time when younger, I would know that too, but I didn't love basketball and quit playing for a long time. When older, I quickly recovered my shooting skills, but never did recover that ability to know if the shot was good, except on a mere two occasions that really don't matter... Bird was great. His ability and heart were unmatched. Need a shot to win the game? None were better. He nearly always found a way to make the win happen. Magic was great. His ability to channel the game through himself was unmatched; he would literally do whatever his team needed on any particular night. They needed points? He'd score 38. Rebounds? He'd pull down double figures. Ball movement? No one was better at getting the ball to an open teammate, even in ways that defied expectation. Magic could have been a jack of all trades except he would not do everything well; rather, he would be the best at whatever his team needed most to win on a particular night. Jack of all trades? How about King of all trades. I remember when he developed his 'baby hook', so called because Kareem used a hook shot and he wanted that weapon in his arsenal. I remember games where he played forward, even center. His ball handling precision had some otherworldly sense to it. Those games were fun to watch, and great basketball. Kudos to those two champions for being who they were, and are.

[@JG-gg9wk]

That was great. The word Legends is thrown out s lot, but if the shoe fits, come on these Men were Legends? They had quite the rivalry.

[@JESSES_CURIOUSLY_CURIOUS]

This story, friendship, rivalry is something that can't be duplicated. I appreciate their respect and contribution to this game we love. Thx LB and MJ

[@tarnopol]

Larry is a funny guy. Magic, too, of course.

[@steviechampagne]

Bird’s got a razor sharp wit. Man the trash talk he must’ve come up with on the spot probably was insaaane😂

[@nigelkhan9278]

The greatest NBA rivalry and two perfect example for us as a people. Two men that came from totally different backgrounds grounds. Their respect and love for each other.

[@MIXPRO68]

if u were watching basketball when these 2 played in their prime-u were a part of seeing history.I loved that era and i always say I was blessed to have been a teenager seeing these two compete aganist each other.great memories from 2 players who saved the NBA from the brink of going down the sports tubes.

[@heatherf4730]

Those 2 men are a class act

[@jasonjackson5696]

“I know what you’re thinking, just like Dave and Leno“ LMFAO!! 😂😂😂😂

[@vols4448]

What a fantastic fan favorite of The Letterman Show. I enjoyed every second since I saw them play (on TV) when they were in college before they took over the NBA in the 80's.

[@mariamacias8276]

Oh, yeah!! Bird is a legend!! He is just humble. Did the game and went home. 💪

[@Jive33]

Magic, Larry, AND Jim Gaffigan right after? What a show that night!