Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says Larry Bird was the best he played against

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says Larry Bird was the best player he played against.
#shorts #larrybird #celtics #kareemabduljabbar #lakers #losangeleslakers #bostonceltics
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[@arautus]

That's quite a tribute to Larry Bird from the greatest Center of all time.

[@jackjohnsonjohnson8610]

Greatest player

[@jamesnelson5536]

Sorry Wilt

[@HiNRGboy]

easy there buddy, Wilt and Russell are right up there too..all 3 are in the GOAT Center conversation.

[@arautus]

@@HiNRGboy There's no arguing that!

[@arautus]

@@jackjohnsonjohnson8610 Kareem was equally as important to the Lakers as Magic was.

[@Ar-Pharazon21]

I’m black. Grew up in 1980s Larry Bird is the greatest basketball player I have ever seen

[@delbutler885]

If Kareem said that you were the best.... enough said.

[@curtisstover6129]

Pretty much!!!

[@markfrederick4919]

That isn't what he said...🤦🏽‍♂️

[@rcbuck04]

WOW ..HUH???!!!!

[@drifter503]

All these guys from this era love each other so much, that’s a beautiful thing

[@travisstrickland7270]

One of the best

[@donmorton7282]

Phenomenal compliment from Kareem

[@scott783]

when a guy like kareem who you can make a case for as the best player of all time says you are best he played againt, that says it all right there.

[@johnnakoulas1274]

Might just be the truth!!! You need to watch some videos about Larry Legend!!!

[@andrewoconnell862]

Greatness recognizes greatness

[@moeball740]

That's high praise indeed coming from Kareem! And this about describes it: "He wore us out."

[@trentonayershandsoffire3620]

IKR😂😂😂😂

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

Kareem was great and giving credit to Larry shows the respect the greats had for each other ❤️.

[@brianadams429]

the older generation has class, they have respect for each other. unlike todays players will tell you how they're the best, when actually they are so bad they have to jump from all star team to all star team to win. they don't possess the skills to build a team or make your team better. all they know jump ship.

[@baroklim9511]

unlike nowadays, a self=proclaimed GOAT giving credit to himself and doing the motion of crowning himself, what a douche LOL

[@franks5515]

​@@brianadams429very well said

[@andrewhaskins2662]

​@@brianadams429Kareem takes a shit on everyone though almost never has anything good to say about other players. That's what makes this short so deep

[@SportStem]

Remember Kareem and Larry did a Lays Potato Chips commercial together in the 80s.

[@joshdirck820]

That steal and fastbreak was insane 😳

[@dustchip8060]

Its like these guys were reading each others minds on what each player had to do.

[@terrymanning8064]

Not bad for a guy who couldn't run😆😆

[@trentonayershandsoffire3620]

As a Laker fan… that’s normal…

[@jasonwolfe3252]

May not have been the best one on one defensive player but he was always getting steals because he was good at anticipating passes and jumping the passing lane. I think he may have been in the top 5 in steals a few seasons.

[@poocrayon4588]

@@jasonwolfe3252 He would have been better one on one had he not changed from power foward to small foward to accomadate the guys in the team. He was better at gaurding guys in the paint but a little slow against some smaller quicker small fowards.

[@vicvaccani7015]

It doesn’t get any better than Kareem’s praise

[@UFOsAreRealArea51]

Kareem is so mild mannered. Wilt Chamberlain is so laid back and cool. Night and day behavior wise.

[@bringingclaritytoconfusion3605]

Yes, that's about the highest one can go..

[@grant1739]

Jordan is the goat

[@trudogg630]

Larry Legend….was no joke on the court…. One of the greats along with Kareem.

[@loydkline]

Kareem Abdul jabber; Kareem Abdul jabber has old basket jersery just say jabber

[@TheOlmonroe1]

When the 🐐 says you're the 🐐 there's nothing left to say.

[@_TONY_Az]

All these players respect each other good sportsmanship love seeing this

[@markrandall7400]

Yep crazy competitiveness telling him to kiss my ass F you but when it comes down to it great respect for each other. Made for some really good games

[@stuartdamon3610]

They hated each other at the time. To say chippy was an understatement. It was war. Now however there is ❤. Time has softened their hearts, and appreciation is left. Except for Bill Laimbeer! 😂

[@ILoveTheAllCreator]

Don’t see this today

[@bigmike2464]

As Dr J said" Bird played Chess while everyone else was playing Checkers"

[@roberttowns6008]

Says it all!

[@kennytesta9312]

When the best calls you the best that’s a hell of a compliment

[@truspirit1925]

I was a sixer fan during this era and bird was unbelievable to watch....his battles with Dr J was a treat for everyone to watch.

[@Tigerbrown44]

I was a 6ixer fan back in the day. Hated Boston but i had to admit Larry Bird was just too damn good. Those eastern conference finals always went to game 7 in Boston. So much drama.

[@alkh3myst]

J was past his prime in Philly. His rookie season was 1971-72. I hope you saw him in his ABA days, when The Doctor was a force of nature.

[@trentonayershandsoffire3620]

As a Laker fan… 🙄🫥👀😳🫣😡🤬💔💯 but I love how he played though! Bird was That Dude!

[@billglueck9705]

Dr. J is my all-time favorite player.

[@cuteynurse305]

@@billglueck9705He was mine too.. Until I WITNESSED #33.. Amazing! Bird did it all! Great LEADER, NEVER afraid.. NEVER.. Wanted to always take THEE shot. Never made any excuses. He gave his heart and soul EVERY GAME. HELL OF AN IQ on the court. He knew where everyone was. Great scorer, passer, rebounder, defender. THE GREATEST ALL AROUND PLAYER EVER. The one player Jordan couldn’t beat and get past in the playoffs.

[@TheJmorales1978]

Larry Bird one of a kind will never see another one.

[@jamesedwards1806]

It's doubtful, yes but not impossible! Kinda like Secretariat 🐎! 👍🏻👴

[@thegadflygang5381]

Never been a more natural player. So weird because his handles were nothing special, he was relatively slow and couldnt jump high.. but ever player who was around that era always names him as the GOAT.

[@grizzlymac-tight]

One of a kind is an understatement. if there is a goat conversation.. meaning, if ur going to say someone is the goat instead of Michael, than larry bird is just as much in that conversation as kareem, magic, wilt, lebron, shaq

[@carloswylie4968]

Miss the battles between bird and Magic teams.

[@thegadflygang5381]

@GrizzlyMac-tight I agree but do you see what makes Bird such an anomaly? You can clearly define what made Shaq so dominant. To a broader degree you can nail down why Jordan was great. Bird was great because he was Bird. It is so weird, if you try and tell someone why he was so special it is tough to do. It isn't just clutch, or shooting prowess, or defense. It just "because he was Bird". Wilt is really unique as well. Such an all around athletic freak whose that you just say "he was Wilt". But Legend Larry to me will always be the great anomaly. The guy only opponents can do justice to in describing

[@Bobbyo60]

Kareem was so right when he said birds greatest muscle was between his ears. He was aware of everything and everybody that was happening on the court. That, and his ability to hit nothing but net when it counted the most.

[@dbc7772011]

Bird’s confidence was off the charts! He would tell the other team where and how he was going to destroy them! Who does that? Night after night? And them sticks the dagger in with the buzzer beaters! Dude was a cold blooded assassin!

[@anneseay4905]

And I enjoyed every second!

[@Constantine5624]

High Praise for Larry Legend from an all time best ❤

[@user-wv4xc1us6u]

Humility from an absolute legend of the game.

[@kevo130b]

Facts

[@theflorgeormix]

Kareem is an unknown genius. Great players in that era.

[@DavidJohnson-ew4wh]

It's good to see a person showing respect to another.

[@jamesstallworth2721]

Thanks Kareem for giving Bird the accolades of great IQ skills.

[@blackprix]

As a Boston Celtics fan since 1960 who got to see the greats of the great Larry was amongst them, did everything for his team score play defense, rebound, assist and make everybody around him better! And he won three consecutive MVPs… That should tell you how good he was

[@AveryBlackman]

Did you have season tickets, how did you get to see games since 60. I started watching in 1970 and we got the game of the week on Saturday afternoon.

[@HiNRGboy]

@John Jon Bob Cousy in his 90's bro lol

[@HiNRGboy]

Who do you think were the greatest Celtics by position? I'd go: Russell, McHale, Bird, Sam Jones, and Bob Cousy.

[@manny4552]

Cool I started watching in 1970 .. alot of greats over the years

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Bobby Orr had the same effect on his teammates.

[@byronyadao5550]

"Muscle between his ears" "Always at the right place at the right time "

[@beekay5914]

Kareem is a great athlete, and a wise and intelligent man. When he speaks, I listen.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

That's Kareem Abdul Jabbar speaking those words. I'd die happy if these were the last words I heard and my name was Larry Bird.

[@dja.selekta]

No true baller can deny Larry Bird’s greatness. End of story ✊🏽

[@markkroner9800]

Larry must have been really spectacular because Kareem throws compliments around like their manhole covers ! Bird was a stud !!!!!

[@user-ez3my1nu2z]

Being from Boston I've seen almost every Celtic game during the bird era, his brain was his greatest asset, there's Jordan, then bird.... The two greatest players ever in my humble opinion

[@gustavocuevas6904]

I m a laker fan and I see him playing in the 80 s , any body the see him play knows about it, I agree with kareem

[@idiotwind2248]

Hearing everyone respecting Bird in these shorts is great. But hearing Kareem ? This is something special.

[@arautus]

Kareem would know. The Lakers were a fierce rival with the Celtics during the 80s.

[@scottpeterson571]

Incredible compliment

[@olcowcatcher671]

Kareem was one of the all time greats along with bird great respect fore all of them

[@alcoholfree6381]

Kareem was phenomenal; a pure joy to watch and a true gentleman!!

[@yumboyakk9002]

Larry the most underrated goat of all time alongside Wilt

[@liordagan9342]

Wilt started his list of all time greats with Larry Bird. It's kind of funny. Wilt was the most athletic basketball ever, and Larry was... Not.

[@x00p3]

@@liordagan9342 And Wilt was holding back his physical play because he said he didn't want anyone to get hurt !

[@nebraskamalt6949]

I hope everyone can remember what a special player Kareem was. Those were good times. Kareem’s physical presence is dwarfed by his intelligence. Btw I was mostly a Celtics fan - but it’s impossible not to appreciate magic&coop&kareem& worthy&scott

[@mtee555]

Of course we remember!!!!

[@ericcarter2020]

Kareem know how good Bird was, being on the court at same time. He got to witness a player who made his teammates look good as well.

[@jonnyp5559]

The sky hook was awesome!

[@CZECHMATE650]

Larry would tell the players on the team what he was going to do and then ACTUALLY DO IT!

[@Scott-tm9ml]

LBJ has nothing on Bird. Bird is a top 3..

[@shanedenny5234]

GOAT

[@Once_in_a_Lifetime]

Why would you bring Lyndon Baines Johnson into this? He wasn’t even president when Larry was in college!

[@chrismitrik1919]

Larry Bird is the greatest SF to ever play the game

[@tonywatts1655]

What about the all time leading scorer.

[@chrismitrik1919]

@@tonywatts1655 what about him? PED man?

[@truthis612]

Larry suck nah just kidding love Larry legend he is arguably the best small foward ever some would say Lebron.

[@chrismitrik1919]

@@truthis612 not a Lebron guy. Was in HS. But ya he is pretty good. If you and your families life is on the line, who you having take that shot. Larry or Lebron

[@Defender78]

Larry Bird was awesome, Even though his game wasn't high flying or full of dunk's and in some ways doesn't seem like a 2010s style , just remember his low-level game would score 30 and 40 points against the high flyers of the day, like Joyce Irving, Dominic Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, and James worthy.

[@kjpaxi-johnson4775]

I’m not a basketball enthusiasts but when I look back at these times be post on Larry Bird, I would have loved to see him play at least once. He looks like a brilliant genius and I must say those he passed to…. Amazing teammates! They had surely had to be ready for a pass. Just amazing

[@franzschubertv2874]

Picture Jokic 2 inches shorter and a better shooter. That’s Bird.

[@trentonayershandsoffire3620]

@@franzschubertv2874 I think it’s Luca Donič… but with the successful support system of Jokic?

[@franzschubertv2874]

@@trentonayershandsoffire3620 yeah, somewhere between Doncic and Jokic. Bird averaged 10 rebounds per game in his career and had 6 straight seasons 10+ boards. All 3 players are tremendous passers with great instincts.

[@timatkinson9291]

So good to her one of the best, if not the best give Bird credit. Bird was a great player. Personally I wasn’t a Boston fan, but that takes nothing away from his greatness!!!!

[@nicholasshannon954]

There's not a lot of people out there that actually know who Larry Bird is that man has been phenomenal from college all the way to his Pro basketball career and nobody give that man enough credit because he deserves every bit of it I'll watch him and Magic Johnson college championship game I knew then they both were going to be special

[@mattk3654]

I don't understand how the general public will don't give Larry the flowers he deserves after hearing how some of the greatest of the game have given him the respect that he earned.

[@speedislife11]

I wish every generation from when he retired on could have seen him play just to see how good he was

[@psmith669]

Bird the Goat.

[@michaelangelograves5903]

Game recognizes Game.

[@og6951]

Kareem forgot Wilt. BUT I think Larry is easily top 10. No specific order. Kareem, Wilt, Larry, Magic, Jordan, Shaq, Lebron, Kobe, Akeem, Russell.

[@parkependleton6453]

High praise from one of the greatest. I had the privilege to see them both play in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 1984. Inside the old Boston Garden was over 90 degrees that glorious day!

[@pamelashoemake5912]

I never knew Larry Bird was such a great player I love listening to all the respect these players have for him and other men also

[@briancase6180]

Bird was amazing AND he had respect for himself, her knew himself well. He tried for Indiana University when Bobby Knight was the coach. Bird decided her didn't want any of that madness and decided to go to a second tier school and make his own way. This was when Knight was still a God in basketball in general and Indiana specifically.

[@GP-wt8eo]

He elevated his game and went to a better school.

[@KevinWalsh-lq5kc]

He quit Indiana and was working as a trash man. If it wasn’t for ISU head coach we may not have had the privilege of watching him play basketball. Side note: Bobby Knight said that Bird has the best hand /eye coordination that he’s ever seen. That’s saying something

[@markfrost2707]

and took lowly indiana state to the NCAA championship all on his own...where Knight was not that year

[@billglueck9705]

Great compliment from an all-time great center and competitor who threw fists with Larry. Much respect Kareem.

[@SealAngel]

If Kareem says you're a great player then you're a great player!

[@Pleaver]

I grew up in his era in Boston, over the hill from the Garden. A very exciting time was had by all. Many green shirts and smiles.

[@MrBryan247]

Sky Hook needs to be reintroduced to the sport. Period

[@ericcapron1719]

Kareem tells it like it is...... I love the big man.... nothing but respect for h.and I'm a die hard Celtics man... I bleed green... but Kareem.... he's the best

[@richardpeetrinpeetrin9817]

"Kareem" was total Class, man! Once I seen Bird and "Kareem" get Into it, Bird got right up in "Kareem's" face and "Kareem" looked scared, totally spooked!! 😮 and this was at "The Forum" in Inglewood, California late 80's. All true!!

[@kenjf1009]

When most people think of Bird they visualize sleight of hand and don't realize he had a complete game.

[@KDubb-ws9zc]

I know I do. I was born in the 90s so I didn’t see him play but when I watch tape of him it’s clear he had a deadly jump shot and was one hell of a passer but since I didn’t see him play in real time that’s all I see I don’t see how he played compared to his peers of the eras since I wasn’t there

[@markfrost2707]

@@KDubb-ws9zc google the day he won the 3 point contest if you want to see some amazing shooting

[@Ericmau41]

Damn did you see that no look pass!! See that was showtime era!!!!

[@monticella]

Jabbar was great as well, and a good man!

[@dannymarshburn2807]

Greatness acknowledges Greatness

[@robertholland9651]

Respect to both guys!!! I loved watching basketball during the 80’s-90’s

[@fredtacang3624]

If not for a bad bad, bird could've replaced Kareem as goat, not mj

[@paulzarate22369]

Exactly what Kareem said. Larry Bird to me exemplifies the power of the human being the ability to believe in oneself no matter what is defined on the outside of his body, it's what's inside his mind, body and soul. The propels him to be the greatest because he believes it to the core. That is the power that we have with mental power. Our ability to make us believe and play the beyond far beyond our physical ability. Larry Bird, one of the greatest human athletes to play the game of basketball. Thank you for the lesson teacher

[@alejandromarquez4017]

That no look over/behind the head pass was nasty

[@MegaSlowe]

I don't know how anybody can say Bird wasn't athletic. He ran the floor, could throw it down when he wanted, could get his shot off against anyone. Was he a Jordan-level freak? No, but he didn't need to be.

[@gustavocuevas6904]

He was atlético didn’t have atlétic body but who care!!! Larry bird vs Magic best rival ever , thank you for save the NBA

[@costumeninja1914]

I agree with you 100%. He had the same verticals Carl Malone. Also, Jabbar eventually admits that he was very quick. Larry bird had a very quick first step. And had great endurance and strength.

[@billlombaiso7447]

If Bird isn't somewhere in your top 5 all time, you don't know squat about the game.

[@jkng4606]

MJ said Bird was a f'n problem

[@shanedenny5234]

Kareem is a great guy. Humble and a true legendary basketball player. There is only one Kareem Abdul Jabbar..

[@josephpearson4055]

Larry Legend

[@anthonybrown1108]

Legend!!!!!!!!

[@dariuscanuto]

Larry legend is one of the greatest nba player just like you Captain Kareem Abdul Jabar 🎉.

[@Zothimus]

The Captain being real! 💯 Bird one of the best ever!!

[@blackduel]

Top 5 GOAT

[@shanedenny5234]

Is

[@benvasilinda9729]

Wilt was the best ever but Bird was a nightmare match up for guys like Kareem.

[@kylefulford3810]

Respect to all of them of olden day. Today is not the same.

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

Kareem YOU were the MAN back in the DAY. I was there at that GAME Where they HONORED YOU for 20 years in the NBA. When you have a LEGEND like Kareem giving someone (Larry Bird) praise HE MUST BE GOOD. I got to see Bird play in person at Charlotte Coliseum he was AMAZING.😉😁👍

[@machocomacho9312]

Some say Larry Bird couldn't jump and wasn't fast...yet he averaged 10 rebounds per game (more than Michael Jordan - who could jump). Some will respond that MJ was a guard, though. Okay, but tell me how Shaq averaged 10.9 rebounds per game and Bird was right there at 10 despite having a bad back his last several years. Oh, and I would put Bird's passing up against ANYONE. Watch a video on Bird's passing before you comment on it - - and enjoy! And thanks, Kareem, for your honest thoughts!

[@angelmatos9143]

In every sport on earth, you go for the element of surprise. Bird would tell oponents what he was going to do.

[@WhattheFoXPlay]

the GOAT

[@P.G.1966]

One of the greatest rivalries in the 80's.

[@deepsnow9839]

Larry Legend was not only the smartest but THE BEST ALL AROUND basketball player ever to play the game.

[@roberttowns6008]

Absolutely

[@TheGuest954]

Not close! Wilt dominated in ways Bird could never dream of. So did Jordan. Wilt was a far better scorer, rebounder, shot blocker and even led the league in assists one year. The record books don't lie. Kareem the five time MVP was better than him too as well as Magic who beat him in more head to head championships.

[@deepsnow9839]

@@TheGuest954 got bad news for you...look up who Wilt called the best player ever...it's Bird!

[@TheGuest954]

@@deepsnow9839 First of all Wilt definitely didn't say Bird was the best player ever. They asked him who he enjoyed watching and he said Bird and that he played the game the way it was supposed to be played . I heard that interview. Now look at the NBA records book and you'll see there were a lot better players statistically speaking and you'll see the ones I mentioned were more accomplished than him personally and championship wise.

[@deepsnow9839]

@@TheGuest954 watch his interview with Amad Rashad when he asked Wilt to name his 6 all time best...he named Bird #1. Says it all for me.

[@DanMarshburn-il2sd]

Bird is the GOAT

[@TheGuest954]

Not close to being that but definitely an all time great.

[@joeyravage4798]

If Bird was black there would be no argument about the GOAT

[@TheGuest954]

Yeah there would because Magic handed him his ass three of the four times they met in a championship setting if you include college. Beside MJ was both a better offensive and defensive player than Bird.

[@joeyravage4798]

@@TheGuest954 mj had pippen. Bird didn't have Kareem. Like Mike said, the GOAT is a silly term, and honestly I agree. Mike asked who was the best team. And I want to die, go to Heaven and watch the 80's Celtics vs the 90's Bulls.....

[@TheGuest954]

@@joeyravage4798 When MJ 1st arrived in Chicago there was no Pippen and it took him a few years to develop. Bird had established guys all around him. Yes Magic had Kareem but Kareem doesn't beat three other hall of farmers in the starting lineup and one coming off the bench who was also 6th man of the year.

[@joeyravage4798]

@@TheGuest954 Magic had the 80's Lakers with him. C'mon.

[@joelpierce3940]

Kareem is an honest man.

[@jaydogtitan-ok3vw]

Kareem has been around greatness his entire career from UCLA, Milwaukee and LA, Kareem knows greatness and Bird was just that.

[@henrymcmiller2527]

LB was best all around player ever!

[@WilliamTurner-mz9uy]

I totally agree that man could shoot balls from any where on the floor

[@BrucePerkins-eg7hj]

High praise from the greatest center in history, period. Never be another one of Either of them

[@FenderFan1964]

I've always liked Kareem the player, and Kareem the person. A hard-working, amazing player, and a humble person. What a wonderful thing to say about Larry Bird. ❤

[@randalbrown5100]

Kareem was unstoppable.. his tribute means a lot

[@corygreen3713]

Kareem is so insanely amazing, and for him to talk up Bird like that goes to show both how great Bird was, and how classy Mr. Abdul-Jabbar is.

[@ericcabral7436]

A compliment from Kareem you've finally made it😊

[@Turtlemannnn90]

That steal and pass to keep the ball in play with the finishing dunk sums up Birds career. He gave it his all on both sides of the court man he was such a special player.

[@oflunrazeuqram]

I grew up with Magic and Bird. As an Angeleno, I hated the Celtics with a passion. But Bird was different, stoic, relentless and absurdly talented. Watching highlights now I can truly admire the legend that he is. He understood position, angles and timing better than anyone. Greatest basketball IQ ever.

[@theguythatdoesthatonething2133]

Yea Bird was an all around incredible player! Threes, steals, layups, assist and possibly the best passer of his time. Love seeing a legend acknowledge a legend. :)

[@ChillStatusTwo]

He's right! I still have nightmares of Larry!.. Being a lifelong Knicks fan.. NIGHTMARES!

[@jimmyhamm6041]

Larry Bird was "Clutch" : he was strategist and a planner , he just knew how to maneuver tip top plays in any situation 👌.

[@rooseveltellis5248]

Larry Bird should be mentioned amongst the top five players of all time every time that narrative becomes a discussion and I'm Jordan, Magic, AIlen Iverson fan. Bird was a beast period!!!

[@hanssteele3024]

Larry legend was the best at that moment at his time and that saying alot considering who he had to play against I remember watching him as a kid and you knew he would win

[@derrickscott672]

He was a pure shooter