Kobe on Larry Bird (with the part you DIDNT see)

#BirdGang
Kobe says not enough young people have watched Larry Bird play “…how many have seen Larry Bird play? That’s not a high enough percentage. We’ve got work to do”
It should be noted that of all the players Kobe could have been curious about, it was Larry Legend that Kobe highlighted. He knew, having grown up in LA, that it was Larry Bird that gave the Lakers the most trouble. He hated Larry because he was a Celtic, but he had to respect Larry’s talent & dominance, So he EDUCATED himself. Later when he was asked his starting 5, Larry was in that lineup.
Smart man.

[@yusufleeevans]

Worthy played against Mike and Bird, and he preferred guarding Mike. He said “Jordan made you look slow, but Bird made you look stupid”. That’s why he was so dominate. His on court IQ was ridiculous

[@irishgrl]

FACTS!

[@washcloud]

...he's of those (extremely) rare cases that he didn't just "see court" - he could "FEEL court" in the most possible way(s). I'd bet he could even run a full 48' game in blindfold (AND maybe win it too...). And as far s the legenday Worthy's quote, I'd add that he not only made opponents look stupid , but also think of themselves as such....All in all, if Jordan was a "fine dancer on court", Bird "had a PhD in Fine Arts on it"...

[@aaronandelise]

Top NBA career combined stats per game (pts, reb, ast, stl, blk) career fg%,tp%,ft% 1. Jordan 44.7 -50-33-84 2. Lebron 44.4 -51-35-73 3. Bird 43.1 -50-38-89 4. Kareem 42.9 -56-06-72 5. Durant 40.8 -50-38-88 A bunch of guys in the 40’s.

[@kellykarcher7179]

@@aaronandelise Chamberlain is at 57.4 in his career combined stats and that doesn't even include steals and blocks. I'm sure he would be well over 60.0 if they tracked steals and blocks back in his day. Wilt is by far the GOAT and it isn't even close!

[@jeremylaseur9526]

Kobe was striving to make defenders look slow AND stupid. 😁

[@charlesking4780]

In his prime Bird was as good as anybody who ever played the game.🏀

[@irishgrl]

He was BETTER.

[@cheeseburger12]

Doesn't that mean he's as good as players that suck?

[@irishgrl]

@@cheeseburger12 That’s why I fixed it.

[@cheeseburger12]

@@irishgrl You're no fun!

[@charlesking4780]

@@dayaaron87 Wilt Chamberlain is one of the greats and he only has one championship.

[@robinmcintyre2027]

I can only imagine how frustrated the guys were that he played against. Being told by a guy less athletic than you how he’s going to score on you, and then have that guy do it. Larry Bird is a freaking legend.

[@irishgrl]

Yes he is. In MY eyes, he’s the TRUE GOAT 🐐

[@brenthill7879]

👍

[@pasandesilva2295]

There is a reason we call him Larry Legend!

[@greg82380]

@@BobbyHo2022 He was atleast 6'9 more likely 6'10 or 6'11.

[@BobbyHo2022]

@@advancedchiropractic667 but then again, why didn't everyone do that right? It shocks me that Larry's last title was in 86. I always felt like he has more longevity than that. After that it was all Detroit and Lakers until the Bulls run.

[@jamesoaks69]

About Bird: The ability to stop while the opponent is still moving (pivots, jump stops, step backs), the ability to fake (ball fakes, head fakes, look offs) to get the opponent to move to your advantage, (even if the just move their heads/eyes for a second, the ability to send the ball to a place (passing skills) that the opponent wasn't expecting, and the ability to release the ball from farther back and early in your shot- (with high arch) are all "forms" of speed, agility, and quickness. Birds advantage was not just his intelligence but also his understanding of physics and how he could make others move to his advantage. Bird could choreograph the movements of players around him and then exploit the results to his advantage. He had the combination of intellect, height, soft hand, competitiveness, earned respect, ambition, and pride to fit himself into a game where others might not be able to. I think this is how he became a legend.

[@stolensentience]

Damn bro that was beautiful

[@glennkovacs1328]

Hands down an excellent description of his basketball skills to the maximum

[@philipshetler9286]

Whether you know it or not you (Oak Tree) are a writer. Tagging on to what you said.... All of those things are forms of "athleticism". Also a form of athleticism is "precision of movement". If he saw a narrow passing lane developing he could hit that spot from an arm slot that he may have never used before and hit it dead on. That ability to see something in your imagination and execute it perfectly, on the fly, few can do.... let alone a 6' 10" guy.

[@elgriego331]

Well said. This "He was slow" is based on repetitive comments. Ill take Bird over Kobe or any other any day because no matter who you put around him he can at make them productive.

[@jamesarnett4129]

Slow? Not athletic, can't jump that's just repeated bull shit. Oh also did they use white guy while saying these things.

[@spooge33]

Kobe was an extremely intelligent man. It's a shame that the world will never see what he would accomplish next.

[@joeyking2765]

Yeah, he may have accomplished another rape.

[@spooge33]

@@joeyking2765 Guess you consider rape an accomplishment. Nice.

[@lukaotovic-nesic952]

yet in the period he was here he achieved greatness, multiple rings, inspired millions, was an outstanding father and role model, an Oscar winner! RIP Mamba

[@spooge33]

Guess you convicted him.

[@andrewanderson7912]

I feel his impact after basketball would've been bigger than anything he did playing.

[@jamesdesch3201]

Bottom Line: Bird was great! James Worthy said Jordan was amazing and would beat him athletically and their wasn't anything he could do about it. Bird,on the other hand, would cause him sleepless nights, because he could beat him and his team and completely embarrass everyone. Worthy had to be totally physically and mentally focused because Bird would put relentless pressure on every aspect of the game in ways that the layman doesn't see nor understand. It's a shame that many old and young folks have no idea how damn amazing Bird was. IMHO, the most underrated legend of the game of all time.

[@diodeno666]

If bird had dunked all the lay ups he did.... Imagine..... If you look the most of nba highlights are dunks, show are dunks, very poor concept of basketball

[@DanielF892]

Honestly, bird called it to. He said something along the lines of people tend to forget older greats and one day they will forget me too. He was so right. I agree. I am 23, so for my generation bird is under appreciated and underrated. Older generations like my parents, they know what’s up.

[@tva7263]

How many more threes would Bird have scored with the increased emphasis of shooting from the outside as there is today.

[@redrick8900]

@@dayaaron87 Top 5 is still underrated. Anything less than top 3 is an insult.

[@levesd3722]

@@dayaaron87 He is there, easy.

[@thierrynolevaux9268]

All you have to do is watch Larry Legend shoot the lights out against the hawks and Dominique Wilkins to realize what an extraordinary talent he was. Even the hawks bench was on the floor in disbelief from some of the shots he was making. Greatest shooting exhibit of all time.

[@burnswhenpees]

He called out of bounds, off the trainer...

[@manuelper]

One of my favorites was the double OT win against MJ and the Bulls in 1991, when Bird was really on his last run. Bird just takes over in that 2OT and ends up with nearly 40 and a bunch of boards and assists.

[@Mike1122.]

Well, you’re lying! Kobe’s 81 point game was the greatest shooting performance of all times. Kobe’s 62 point 3 quarter game while outscoring the entire Mavs team though 3 quarters was the 2nd greatest shooting game of all times. I’m sure Bird never outscored an entire team through 3 quarters or scored 81 points. I get it you love Bird but your statement is simply not true.

[@tranurse]

@@Mike1122.Bird wasn’t a ball hog though. If he thought a teammate had a better shot, he made sure he got them the ball. Kobe, God rest his soul, never met a shot he didn’t like.

[@peterlightning9235]

When I watch old footage of games with Larry Bird. I'm constantly stunned by how good he was. They guy was amazing.

[@irishgrl]

He really was. He deserves to be called GOAT imo.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

He was like a Luka on roids. People don't know...

[@bogdanadzic9305]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 no luka is way better

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

@@bogdanadzic9305 Lol, that's wrong. Remember Bird became number 1 in an era where defenders were allowed to beat the crap out of you. Luka cruises in this soft defense era, Bird would definitely dominate this era moreso.

[@tustari]

Lol only someone who never saw Larry Bird play would ever dare say that Luka was better. Bird is better in nearly every aspect of the game; especially in playmaking (he was an extraordinary passer), defence (he had an uncanny ability to make huge defensive plays late in the game), and clutch shooting (as good as Luka is in making big shots, Larry Legend is on a whole other level).

[@noles9998]

Kareem told him the truth about Larry Bird. Kareem always gave high praise when talking about Bird.

[@dexterjankaren]

Bird was a slow runner but he had quick movements. He's also the best head faker of all time and he was very calm and could slow the game down to see all the little opportunities available.

[@norpriest521]

Luka is Bird 2.0 Slow but cold

[@jwatson181]

Bird had a 28 inch vertical at 6 10 and was really strong. He also had one of the best jumpshots ever. It isn't that complicated.

[@kidmillion5540]

​@@jwatson181hes also the second best passer behind Magic

[@ejayemike6541]

Yea his reaction speed and precognition were his strengths and much greater than his traveling speed.

[@bigtroll8249]

​@@norpriest521 Jokic is slow and cold as well

[@randywissler9923]

One of Larry's best quotes was when he told Charles Barkley during a game that the 76rs where disrespecting him by having a white guy guard him. 😂😂

[@SportsSpeak73]

He said it to Terrell Brandon once too when the Cavs decided to put Craig Ehlo on him.

[@Bravo8292]

It was Bobby Jones! Bird knew Jones was Tough! Anyone who actually watched Basketball back then truly understand now the trash talk that took place! Bird was just planting the seed! Jones didn't care! Great Rivalry between Sixers and the Celtics!

[@rickb2432]

It was a game against the Phoenix Suns.

[@ObsoleteTutorials]

Larry's a racist.

[@chrish8016]

Tom Tolbert

[@jamesroof6150]

I moved to Boston in Bird's rookie year. I was a Knicks fan, but Bird made me turn on the TV every game to see what amazing things he was gonna do. He made people turn on the TV just to watch him. Wilt and Jordon 2 of the greatest athletes I ever saw but Bird had that Xfactor unlike any other player I ever saw. He had basketball ESP unlike any other.

[@irishgrl]

Absolutely! Larry was exciting & unpredictable & he always remembered who he was playing for! He was a true LEGEND. 👍

[@mysterion5136]

If there is a such thing as being "in tune" with the game, Larry Bird was "one" with the game of basketball

[@Tonyconner74]

So Wilt & Jordan didn't have that X factor in the level of Bird? 😅 😅.....

[@stolensentience]

@@Tonyconner74 Jordan maybe but wilt couldn’t beat Russell out of like 10 tries

[@mungfam]

Larry Legend. Being from Portland was rough enough with LA in our conference. Your assessment is spot on. 😂😅

[@pauljonessoftware]

I followed Bird's entire career. I was probably his biggest fan at my high school too, so I remember his game very well. Despite being slow as molasses, he understood passing lanes and he often played "possum" on defense too; this made him a great defender. Standing a legit 6'10" with a great basketball I.Q., he was both a great rebounder and passer too. In my view though, the thing that truly made him special was his ability to score from anywhere on anybody. His height gave him a great advantage on the perimeter and once the BIRD was aloft (no pun intended), he rarely missed. On top of all of this, he was tough as nails. For me, no other player besides Michael Jordan, was must-see TV.

[@jimsolmer1292]

What a great and accurate comment sir! I totally agree!

[@t24mack]

@@hristijandimitrovski8664 Kobe was not better then him

[@t24mack]

@@hristijandimitrovski8664 But he wasn’t

[@t24mack]

@@hristijandimitrovski8664 He wasn’t and it’s not even close

[@t24mack]

@@hristijandimitrovski8664 Bird was better

[@jamesmartin9401]

LOOKING Slow as Shit was one of Bird's secret weapons.

[@JM-db8ez]

That's how Luka plays, and Jokic.

[@ronaldeaker6402]

once he got there, reaction was quick

[@kawika7911]

🤣

[@ismjay5143]

paul pierce was one of those scorers too

[@buzzard6410]

D Wade never looked in a rush for anything. But...

[@malooch]

If you doubt the greatness of Larry Bird search “bird Jordan March ‘91” and watch the highlights from that double OT game and check the stat line. Keep in mind that’s a broken back past his prime bird vs. a championship season prime MJ

[@irishgrl]

I NEVER doubt Bird’s greatness.

[@randallcline1176]

I was never a fan of Kobe, but I admired his work ethic and the fact that he was a student of the game. He wanted to know everything about it.

[@irishgrl]

Agreed.

[@ursirius4878]

Larry Bird is the epitome of the saying, you can have the athlete I'll take the guy with the brain who knows the game.

[@crose5748]

I appreciate Larry Bird more today. Listening to those who played against and with Bird gave me a different perspective of who he was as a player.

[@mikeortiz6008]

One of the greats talking about one of the greatest players of all time Larry Legend!

[@irishgrl]

Agreed. Larry Legend is MY TRUE GOAT 🐐 👍

[@mikeortiz6008]

@@irishgrl Yes ma'am absolutely mine also!

[@BrodieTheBeastDailly]

Same here!!!!

[@nanook8721]

Larry Legend - Unquestionably my GOAT forever! ☘️❤️

[@porterwake3898]

Larry Bird was a hustler and had a deadly quick first step.

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

And insanely quick hands on D

[@stupidvickfan3744]

3 NBA players had that look in their eyes. Bird,Kobe and Jordan

[@arciefan]

Can 't run, can't jump, slow, can't defend. Yet he had the smarts and the work ethic that the greats all have. Won several mvp's and several championships and will go down as one the best ever.

[@ericbadu3726]

Yeah he showed the world how to rebound, steal by anticipating and positioning. How to shoot well by practicing thousands of jump shots everyday. Larry Bird the legend. You don't need to be fast physically but mentally. It helps if your 6 10.

[@masonmalone4853]

Your talking about Bird correct?

[@zogood3495]

Can't defend? Bird has made 3rd team All-Def three times in his career. He was no slouch on defense

[@arciefan]

@@zogood3495 That's what the naysayers said, not me. Yes he played tough D and was actually quite good on steals.

[@vineezyproductions9638]

@@zogood3495these guys don’t know shit about ball to say Larry bird wasn’t a good defender

[@johnnycash2254]

Bird wasn’t at all slow - watch him run the floor or do a quick move around defenders in his prime. It was the triple threat that made him elite and he didn’t have to be an exceptional athlete. Back injuries slowed him down in later years but he was still very good.

[@jeffwilson8246]

JC you have the only comment that makes sense to me. These supposed Bird fans just going along with a narrative & like wait are we watching the same thing cause Bird looks pretty quick to me and when the ball leaves his hands those point show up on the scoreboard pretty quick.

[@mskidi]

Bird was 6'10 playing small forward. He was as fast as anyone ever at that size, more than willing to bang and had all the moves. Big guys couldnt follow him around, smaller guys just prayed he'd miss when he shot over them. The notion that Bird wasnt anything special from a purely physical point of view is ridiculous

[@DGot14U]

He wasn't slow. But he was not as fast as many of his peers. No need to take offense to that. Has nothing at all to do with how great he was.

[@internettroll7604]

Agreed, he did not always have the extreme explosiveness that some do, but he was by no means slow. Any player that assumed he was slow probably gave up 40 plus points that night to Bird before they learned the error of their thoughts.

[@robertoarosio5495]

@@mskidi finally some people appearing, as the guy if the first comment, that understand that the slow Bird Legend is just nonsense. Bird was an elite athlete. Thinking at him outside a top 5 or top 6 or 7 is another nonsense

[@Bravo8292]

He was big and he was strong. He could shoot and he had great timing. Kobe would've had his hands full.

[@norpriest521]

@Miller City No shit

[@lawrencelou3545]

As Kareem Abdul Jabbar said.. Larry Bird's strongest muscle is the one between his ears..

[@Hogheadcheese222]

Bird was a certified beast! Couldn’t stand hole good he was as a Laker fan, but that man is one of the greatest to ever do it.

[@bryanb9907]

Larry is the closest competition for the GOAT argument with MJ.

[@irishgrl]

I put him above MJ. Better all around player, did more with less (health wise, time wise etc) never made excuses, afraid of NO ONE, but put fear in the hearts of all who faced him! Better head to head record over MJ, better leader etc etc etc…

[@bryanb9907]

@@irishgrl The only reason I have MJ slightly above him is because Bird himself said MJ is the GOAT. But I agree with your reasoning. "God didn't give Larry the ability to run or jump just to make it fair." - Charles Barkley

[@livemodcolorado]

Kobe was truly a, “student of the game.” He was wise enough to seek council for very facet of his game, and was willing to execute and put it all together. RIP Mamba.

[@wills.364]

Larry is the epitome of what a forward should be

[@irishgrl]

Facts 👍

[@23aceballer]

Yup if you want to learn the sf position watch bird play. Except don’t copy his shooting style, that was unique to him. But passing, flow spacing, leadership, running the break etc. he’s the best of the best.

[@Godshonestruth]

Bird and Kobe- two of the hardest workers of all. God please give me and everyone reading this the strength to work hard EVERY SINGLE DAY! Follow your dreams 🦍

[@TheRebuilt1]

We miss you Kob! As cerebral a player Kobe was im sure he realized later on that Bird had good foot work and how to establish his position especially in the post. Larry is a legend for a reason.

[@joelcornelius7918]

Larry Bird had intangibles that are hard to measure. He had a “go” button that didn't quit. He was an intelligent player and made his teammates better. He was also a great passer and shooter. During his playing days, people didn't shoot as many 3-point shots as today. He also played in an era where physical contact was regular. He would flourish in today's game. He played with pain, which is an exception with today's players. He deserves his ranking. He is a hall of fame player.

[@internettroll7604]

I was a Sixers fan but did appreciate what Bird brought to the game. Truly a great and in my top 5 of players I would build a team around.. This years playoff is elevating Joel Embiid to Bird status in at least one area…… will to win and play through injuries to get the win.

[@cheeseburger12]

I started watching at the end of Bird's career. Honestly, I'm surprised his fg% wasn't higher based on his rep. I pmay a SimLeague and try to pair Jordan And Bird for max versatility. Sadly, I think the simleague doesn't give me enough credit in game winning shots!

[@Goodpatron]

This description doesn't even do him justice 😂

[@lordemed1]

KoBe- so well spokem. truly gifted...we all lost a special man.

[@garytotty3971]

Watching Larry Bird from High School to college, and then into the pros was magic to my eyes. Yet I grew up on Oscar Robertson and later Magic Johnson moved into my TV set while watching Jud Heathcoat show most how to coach. Watching Magic and Larry put on a clinic every time they played is what life was about. You say I never saw them? Sorry for your luck

[@irishgrl]

I didn’t say that?

[@elroz1675]

there are interviews on youtube with Kareem and with Wilt, and they both list Bird as one of the very best.

[@irishgrl]

I have portions of those in my videos, if you care to look

[@elroz1675]

@@irishgrl thanks. I've seen them...unless these are different? please do include the link . thanks

[@johnhinkle1138]

Koby at 6’7 could not defend Bird at 6’10. Bird was taller than Magic at 6’9. Bird was underrated by so many dudes still. And THIS is proof. Bird could not be stopped. Neither could McHale or Parrish.

[@DSerrador]

I'm not sure Kobe was 6'7 , i would say short 6'6, look pictures of him close to Jordan (a legit 6'5). Bird was a giant, a small forward at 6'10" with that skills, footwork, shooting, .. my God!

[@josepmontesinos1994]

@@dayaaron87 Championships depend on teams and there were no all time greats around him. Good players, but not at the level of Jabar or Worthy. Bird made them better and more competitive.

[@MrMan-fx3ow]

@@dayaaron87 “only” 3 championships ? 😂😂😂

[@MrMan-fx3ow]

@@dayaaron87 3 championships is incredible. I laughed out your comment because you downplayed his greatness

[@aaronjackson9385]

@@dayaaron87 He had Jamaal Wilkes and Bob McAdoo who were HOFers and Norm Nixon and Byron Scott were excellent players as well.

[@chethammer]

Byrd wasn't slow until his back gave out.Also,if you know where everyone is and where they're going to be, you don't have to be fast.

[@irishgrl]

Good point.

[@telmolicious]

Yes he was 😂

[@smw4628]

Bird was one of the best ball fakers of all time and could back it up with his great shooting. He was also 6'9" and he was every bit of that height.

[@DatKat]

6 9.9999999999999999999

[@chairmanoftheboard11]

And he could pass like a mf too.

[@dhinton1]

Yeah .... Larry's height was 100% accurate.

[@skull3941]

Imagine if Larry Bird in his prime did play against Kobe 1 on 1 as like a half show thing or Larry Bird's Celtics vs Kobe's Lakers with Shaq. Just Imagine Larry telling Kobe that I'm gonna catch the ball and go to the corner and shoot a 3 and win the game

[@irishgrl]

Then Kobe will KNOW about Larry Legend 👍

[@irishgrl]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Um, “what am I missing here” tells ME he DIDNT know. He’d heard his teammates talk & he’d grown up watching Larry devastate the Lakers, but he couldn’t see how or why, since Larry didn’t appear fast. But looks are deceiving. 👍

[@irishgrl]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Ok you must just like hearing yourself talk bcuz if you reread what I said & what you said just now, you’ll see you basically repeated me. Would have been a whole lot easier to just agree.

[@irishgrl]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 You dumbass. Your comment was just a restatement of mine. Regardless, I’m blocking your annoying ass.

[@phillipschuman4307]

@@irishgrl Shaq said for quite a while, he didn't think Bird was great, and was 'just lucky.' Just lucky over and over again? Lol! Shaq finally realized he was wrong, though.

[@jaycepero8069]

I was never a fan of his but dude is on the Mt Rushmore of hardest working and most dedicated athletes you will ever see. Him taking jumpers at the Heat’s arena till 4am after a poor shooting night perfectly encapsulates what kind of professional he was. The hypocrisy of my admiration for his work ethic is that I love AI who famously ranted about practice. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@irishgrl]

Are you talking about Kobe? Or Larry? Bcuz Larry’s work ethic is LEGENDARY

[@elgriego331]

LARRY is the true GOAT!

[@irishgrl]

Yes he is!

[@ktharamseye2197]

Great people recognize greatness, respect and admire it, as seen here is his regard for Larry Bird. Kobe Bryant was great and amazingly humble. Without attending college, he took on a high-pressure career an excelled with poise and intelligence. In fact, Kobe Bryant was known for being multilingual, often answering international journalists' questions in their native language

[@bigtroll8249]

Bird was the truth!! Def top 3 GOAT.

[@irishgrl]

My #1 🥰

[@bigtroll8249]

@@irishgrl 🥰🥰🥰

[@Smokeone3815]

That's why he top 5 🔥💯🔥

[@balbonits]

Bird plays like that old guy that always plays in the rec league with guys 10-15 years younger than him, but outplays them even when he's a step or two slower.

[@benkeel2966]

Kobe was such an amazing student of the game. Miss him💔

[@dannyc7227]

For those who think Kobe is talking shit about Bird. He’s not. Bird was slow as shit (relatively speaking) but still would wreck fools. If Bird had a typical NBA All-Star body, he’d probably be the GOAT.

[@irishgrl]

He’s MY GOAT regardless.

[@dhinton1]

He definitely didn't lie .... Larry was slow as shit. yet, that MF always was open .... and that MF hit EVERY shot on the court. Larry could, and WOULD, tell you verbatim what he was about to go do, and where he was going ... and yo azz still wouldn't be able to cut him off. He was a cutthroat MF and I couldn't stand his ass as a player NOR coach .... but that MF was great AF.

[@nickpearce9441]

Bird the greatest player ever.

[@norpriest521]

No shit sherlock

[@coreydorsey4121]

I think many missed his point. He wanted to understand why Bird was so dominant despite lack of athleticism from guys who had to play him. He said there's something he was missing and wanted to learn. He wasn't dissing him.

[@irishgrl]

Agreed. The way ppl filter his statement amazes me. But you nailed it.

[@3YearsApart1613]

Kobe was a great guy. So sorry we lost him so young.

[@leechrec]

Bird was a baaaaaaaddd maaaaan!

[@kzarz0219]

God, I miss Kobe.

[@simplysimple7628]

Bird, Dr. J and magic were the reason to watch basketball in the 70’s and 80’s. Those dudes were special on that court. Just the way they changed the concept and how hard you should play in order to win. And to never give up. Then MJ came……😳😬😱🥶🥶🥶

[@irishgrl]

MJ was a creation of marketing hype imo. Yes he was a high flier, but not the GOAT imo.

[@redrick8900]

If the Refs called Jordon's travels and charges he would have had 18 points a game.

[@simplysimple7628]

😂🤣😂🤣😂💀💀You clowns crack me up. And millions also….

[@arfshesaid4325]

@@simplysimple7628 count me in , wheres the face paint oh simple one , got a funny feeling you were born in the 80s

[@andrewft31]

You do realize Jordan was drafted in 1984 right and played against Johnson, Bird and Dr J right? He was getting the numbers as far as points go but he had a horrible team until 1990 when they got Scottie Pippens and it wouldn’t be until 1991 when he finally won a ring. Magic won one his rookie year and Bird his second year. Points don’t mean anything if you still lose the game

[@Dave_B33]

You can tell by his tone he was making the Bird comment with reverence...he was saying basically "he is deceptively slow...how does Bird get you, and what do I need to do to stop someone like that?"

[@irishgrl]

Yep. Kobe doin his homework!

[@shinyhappyshibas1385]

As a laker fan I hated Bird but he was playing chess while other players were playing checkers.

[@michaelhoffman5486]

yuppers

[@matthewmehegan3475]

And example of Bird's mentality, he said something that Keven McHale later repeated: "When we played the Lakers, they were so good that we could play a great game, but still lose."

[@hoi-polloi1863]

Shout out to you! I grew up in a Celtics family, I imagine my first words growing up were "Beat LA". ;D Always appreciated the rivalry with my West Coast brethren.

[@mikehansen522]

As a Celtic fan that is exactly how I felt about Magic in the 80's.

[@ShenState]

Lol.. funny how we laker fans hated bird and they hated magic. It's nice being older and appreciating how great Bird was.

[@mrk1269]

I became a Kobe fan when Shaq was out for a couple games. Him and Eddie Jones was doing dudes filthy under that rim. When those dudes took off from the base line it was over!

[@mrbean3470]

As much respect as I have for LeBron's many impressive accolades... Bird is still the starting SF on my all time team. Don't worry, Bron still gets plenty of minutes. But Larry was something else!

[@bettyteague1390]

Kobe asks a lot of questions but nobody can ask him any questions when he was a champion and had rookies on the team smdh just a mean guy to me

[@chrisbr1969]

Bird was amazing. He dominated the 80s. Jordan was 0-6 vs Bird in the playoffs, and head to head Bird beat Jordan. People will argue Bird had the better team but they won’t argue Bill Russell had the better team over Wilt. You can’t have it both ways. Bird was the greatest basketball player I ever saw play live. And I saw Jordan drop 63 in the Garden.

[@mikebeck3014]

Bird was truly great

[@twocents6951]

I saw a video where Kobe was asked to pick his all time starting 5 and he chose Bird as the small forward. What Bird lacked in speed he made up for it in high basketball IQ

[@irishgrl]

I have that vid on my channel too 😉 👍

[@chuckcts-v3460]

"If the game is on the line, give me Michael", "If my life is on the line, give me Bire", - Pat Riley

[@t.bozmkw3562]

Bird is the Goat. Him and Magic knew how to win straight out of college. Jordan had to learn to win.

[@irishgrl]

agreed

[@evifnoskcaj]

Bird won MVP 3 times in a row and was respected, not just for his brilliant court awareness and incredible shooting, but because he was a decent person too and was always practicing and always hussling (behind the mercilous shit talking😂). Larry earned his respect from his peers and the league, and became close friends with Magic Johnson and was one of the few people that supported him during the hardest times in his life, even with their tough rivalry. ❤ However, MVP used to be awarded by a vote of fellow players instead of by sportswriters and broadcasters, and I wish the NBA would return to having the players vote for the MVP. It's one thing to be doted on by the press, but it's another thing entirely to be respected by your peers.

[@irishgrl]

I don’t know…if the players voted on MVP do you think Larry would get it 3x consecutively? I don’t. There’s too much politics & drama at the player level. And I think racism too.

[@jimmypeach8838]

Bird was so fast mentally with quick hands that he didn't need to jump out the gym... even the Basketball Gods thought that would be unfair

[@terrysamuels1387]

Larry Bird was redickulus! He could do anything with a basketball. He was also my sister Charlene's favorite basketball player i.e. wait for the 3 point dager! It would break my heart i.e. I was a Sixers fan.

[@anthonygreen3331]

Isiah Thomas said during the all-star game three point shooting contest him and some more players were practicing from the 3 point line. He said Bird walk onto the court an ask them what were they doing practicing for second place. Without even warning up he hit 16 in a row an the nets never moved.

[@irishgrl]

Like a BOSS!

[@anthonygreen3331]

@@irishgrl lol

[@cruxxus]

Bird is easily among the greatest of all time for sure. I feel like Tim Duncan doesn't get enough recognition as one of the greatest as well, he could wipe out teams with his dominance and consistency.

[@DirtCheapFU]

Bird was definitely slower than other legends. But he was methodical. He had a team that he maneuvered around and he was definitely in the right spot, where it counted.

[@BH02377]

Anyone who knows, knows “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”!!!

[@JuanDoe666]

Kobe was a true craftsman

[@irishgrl]

I wasn’t a Kobe watcher myself but he respected Larry so that tells me a LOT about him.

[@joshswicegood3253]

Larry wasn’t slow at his young age. He actually was pretty athletic. He was no kobe or Jordan athletically but he made up for what they had in all around play, basketball iq, mental toughness etc. He was a better shooter rebounder and better clutch than Jordan and kobe.

[@mskidi]

Larry was 6'10, playing small forward for the most part. Guarding Bird, at any part of his career, prime or not, was daunting task from a purely physical point anyway. And he wasnt slow at all, even after the injuries. But he wasnt a better shooter or more clutch than Jordan.

[@joshswicegood3253]

@@mskidi look up the stats. He was a better shooter. And I’m not saying that he is superior in clutch but those that played against and for both I’ve seen multiple stories on Larry’s clutch play. Even coach Riley said if his life depending on the last shot he would go with bird over Jordan.

[@mskidi]

@@joshswicegood3253 Jordan was a career 50% shooter 5ft and further from the basket on a stupendous volume shooting. There is absolutely no way Bird was a better shooter. And although he was as clutch as you can be, he wasnt more clutch than MJ.

[@joshswicegood3253]

@@mskidi dude he drove the ball in the lane way more than bird. I guess you could say “Shaq” was a better shooter of you go by what you say because even he was 58 percent from the field. Bird was more of perimeter shooter and shot from all over the field. Jordan did too but my point is he used his athleticism to drive the ball to the hoop and it’s it’s easier to make shots from within the box. From the perimeter and beyond bird was a better shooter! Quit arguing about it. It’s a proven fact. Bird was 38 percent from the three point line. Jordan was 33. Bird was a 88 percent free throw shooter Jordan was 83 percent. Those are facts. Has nothing to do with conjecture at all. For crying out loud bird won the three point contest every time he entered. Jordan didn’t even compete in it because he was never looked at as a particular great shooter from long range. If those two were to compete on shooting from pong range or anywhere on the field I’m going with bird hands down and only a Jordan deluded fan would choose him because to him nobody could do anything better than him. Bird also in practice one time hit over 30 3’s in a row before missing. Story was told by Danny Ainge. Jordan was not birds equal in shooting ability! Jordan wasn’t the best at everything. Far from it. Also Larry legend was the founder of the 50/40/90 club. Did it three times. Jordan never had that shooting percentage….never.

[@mskidi]

@@joshswicegood3253 What are you talking about man? You know the players? We're talking about jumpshooting, not lay ups or dunks or just 3 pointers. Overal shooting from the perimeter. Jordan, past prime, was averaging twice as many jumpshots as the next guy in the NBA. In fact, Jordan age 34 scored more jumpers than prime Kevin Durant (2014) on better efficiency. Just look it up

[@byronAnewby]

Bird is Top 10 all time

[@norpriest521]

Make it 5

[@wingman-1977]

This guy literally was a student of the game.

[@peteinthedesert7082]

Love Kobe's knowledge and love of the history of the game. Kobe is right. Larry Bird (and Chris Mullin too) looked and played "slow as sh#&", but 1) they could run all day, 2) rarely was their shot blocked near the basket, because both used their body and positioning to get their shot off, 3) both had supreme confidence in their jump shot. Bird's peers always point out that his basketball mind is what separated him from other great players. What a lot of people don't know about Larry Bird though, is that he played his entire NBA career on a bent finger on his shooting hand. In college, his shot was almost exclusively right hand, with a ton of spin and arch. So not being able to use his right index finger was critical. He had to change his shooting stroke as a rookie in the NBA, and again after his 5th season (it worked; next 4 seasons 84-87, Bird averaged over 40% from 3). I like to think of "what if Larry Bird didn't have an injured finger... just how much better could he have been?" Oh well, I guess Bird's career averages of 24.3 ppg, 10.0 reb, 6.3 assists (compared to Kobe's 24.0, 5.2, 4.7) will have to suffice :p

[@steveguse4481]

Bird was actually pretty damn quick before the injuries. Watch the tape. Especially at 6'10". Gets past defenders regularly. His foot speed is good. His hand speed is second to none

[@irishgrl]

Agreed. My personal theory is that he preferred ppl to underestimate him. That’s why he took them all by surprise so often.

[@robmckrobmck5567]

Doncic reminds me of Bird in his use of ball fakes that defenders are badly fooled on

[@josepmontesinos1994]

Quickest mind, quickest hands, pretty quick feet, incredible anticipation due to his reading of the game... He was a basketball player, not a track athlete.

[@DatKat]

@@josepmontesinos1994 a basketball engineer

[@kafklatsch3198]

Top ten greatest of all time only "looked" slow... but he was not, and his tenaciousness MORE than made up for the " maybe" 1/4 step...

[@markmarkos133]

Jordan is on top forever in my book.But if I could pick any player from any era to challenge him on his best day it would be Larry Bird.I consider Larry Bird in his absolute prime Jordan's equal and I don't think I can say that for any other player since.That said I think Bird is in top 5 just by his absolute genious of basketball IQ and court vision.And boy could he get hot.Those streaks of shooting and dominance he displayed are top tier stuff.Incredible player.

[@slto91]

i think when you're a scroing threat at any point anywhere on the court, you earn the ability to slow down the game when you handle the ball, which opens up even MORE options for you. This is Larry's game, and this is Luka's game.

[@timothythomas8082]

Bird could have only defended Kobe down low in the post being bigger than him. Never on the wing. Kobe's too quick, but on the flip side, Kobe couldn't defended Bird anywhere on the floor. Nobody could.

[@abovenbeyondlimits81]

How many saw Larry play … That’s not enough , we have some work to do ! 😆 savage even in being nice . I love it how a directness makes a media guy squirm . U want results u be intentional and direct . Red pill not blue . Love it ! Mamabmentality

[@adam.s.1838]

I'll pick.bird over kobe any day

[@norpriest521]

over MJ too

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

Bird was actually quicker than people give him credit. He had a great first step and always knew exactly where to go with and without the ball.

[@pallen49]

To me, if I were to face MJ and Kobe in their prime, I'd be like ' I'm a dead meat '....But if I were to face LB in his prime, I'd be like ' OH GOD, not only am I a dead meat, but it's how he's gonna cook me ', lol

[@irishgrl]

😂

[@cindyknudson2715]

🤣

[@ACarter87]

Famous Pat Riley quote: “if the game is on the line I want MJ with the ball, if my LIFE is on the line, I want Larry with the ball…”

[@craigdinney5933]

Your scared of a man that lost 6 NBA finals ? Hahahahaa

[@80sCardCollector]

@@craigdinney5933 he only lost 2. 85 and 87

[@Logan-gl5mx]

"They don't know. They don't know." No Kobe, these kids don't know. MJ was a bad man.

[@irishgrl]

Yer in the wrong vid Spanky. This is about LARRY LEGEND, not MJ.

[@vicmcmahon]

I've always said larry is in the GOAT convo.

[@norpriest521]

For me, he's the GOAT. Not MJ

[@irishgrl]

yep 👍

[@NKBobcat]

I saw Bird once and I saw LeBron in his 3rd year with Cleveland. They both appeared to be superhuman, compared to everyone else on the court.

[@bobdavis3357]

We all miss you Kobe.

[@billyray6913]

Larry legend. R.I.H Kobe

[@mckill32]

Couldn’t run and couldn’t job but he’d score on Kobe every time and tell him what he was going to do before he did it. Calm down Kobe.

[@irishgrl]

Facts.

[@clintonalford7357]

Kobe was a great defender. I seen Kobe lock down LeBron.

[@Johntb100]

Bird and Kobe always gave 100 %.

[@abeldoesit6559]

Kobe just admitted that he would get torched by Larry Bird. Young Kobe asking Laker greats about what to do in certain situations. Veterans back in the early 80s couldn’t figure out what to do with a young Larry Bird.

[@irishgrl]

Yep 👍. Bird was THAT GUY! 🥰

[@sammysam2615]

Not seeing Bird play is like us today not seeing Ruth calling his home run. Larry Bird was the Truth

[@Marshall_EL34]

LeBronica James couldnt carry birds jock strap. In fact …he wouldnt know what it was and would strap it on his head and wear it like a helmet.

[@CindySinful-nk2ns]

Pro bowl today.....Kobe was a beast

[@Matt_237]

I was told by over 100 people in a chat the other day, that I knew nothing about basketball as I'd take Larry Bird over LeBron James. I'd also take Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and perhaps Oscar Robertson over LeBron. Of coursee, I've seen all these guys play. I've been around this long. People think that's an insult. James is one of the most physical freaks I've ever seen and can do everything, but when it came to Jordan, Bird and Bryant ... there was another gear. Another plane. Oscar flirted with it too, and was also a freak. Never gets mentioned. To this day, I think if I wanted to WIN ... just WIN ... I'd go Magic, Jordan, Bird, Duncan and Robinson. Simply because Tim and Robinson had that chemistry and the passing and defense of that team would be insane. And yes, I know, Robinson is not a center anyone else is picking.

[@irishgrl]

That’s ok, I take Larry Legend over EVERYBODY! 😉 👍

[@chrispaschal7955]

Kobe should've asked his dad about Bird, he couldn't guard him either.

[@leeward6762]

Kobe wasn't taking a shot, it was actually a complement....he knew that there was something that didn't show up on film, that made Bird well Bird....and Kobe being Kobe ofcourse had to find out what that was. Obviously, Kobe watched Larry's Highlight Reel, which is one of the most impressive ever...and he wanted to know how Larry made better athletes look stupid trying to guard him on a regular basis....not just for the fun of it, Kobe wanted to learn anything and everything about basketball so he could utilize it in his game.

[@stolensentience]

And yet he was always a selfish player and a volume shooter

[@JaysPlayDays]

@@stolensentience I guess you missed it when Kobe would pass it to his teammates, the 24 second shot clock would start winding down, they would pass the ball back and Kobe would have to shoot. Kobe had a number of teammates who didnt want to shoot or work for it. Kobe was 1 on 5 or 2 on 5 offensively number of times

[@stolensentience]

@@JaysPlayDays please.

[@JaysPlayDays]

@@stolensentience did I say 100% of the time? and clearly you didnt pay attention

[@Harrison2253]

what your missing is respect for one of the top 10 greatest players of all time who would have lit you up and told you how he was going to do it

[@DSerrador]

Larry Bird slow? With legit 6'10? My ass

[@irishgrl]

I knooooow right? 😂

[@soofitnsexy]

kobe bird kick yo ass anytime any era....u were a good player Bird well...is a LEGEND

[@irishgrl]

Yessir!

[@soofitnsexy]

@@irishgrl dats right!!! greetings from nyc