LARRY BIRD is Hilarious|Magic Johnson & Larry Bird on Letterman Segment 1 REACTION

[@Freshenstein23]

I’m a Celtics fan, and out of respect for Magic I’d never EVER have a conversation about who’s better. We have basketball today because of them, that’s it. The GOATS

[@bingload]

Lakers fan here, you have a great take. Two of the greatest to ever lace em up. That's it.

[@jamescouillard8068]

There will never be a closer argument about who is better than who in any sport #33 forever for me

[@bingload]

@@jamescouillard8068 respect

[@Rensune]

There is no Bird without Johnson, no Johnson without Bird Their Rivalry made them the best

[@wishingb5859]

Bird/Magic years were a blast. Most fun rivalry basketball ever had.

[@imweakfordeaky]

Larry is having a great time in this interview ! - he just has a *very* dry sense of humor. I think he’s hilarious!

[@lorriehil4212]

That’s what so appealing about him. smiles.

[@johnrife7134]

Larry is very shy basketball was how he communicated.

[@venetoaward]

Larry, Magic and Micheal will always be my favorite 3. They are just from another planet

[@marcconnelly5652]

Birds not greater than pistol Pete and Paul westphal

[@brianstrutter1501]

@@marcconnelly5652 - yea he was

[@brianstrutter1501]

No offense but MJ's athletic ability made him great. Bird and Magic didn't have MJ's athletic ability and were still the best in the 80's. Pure raw talent Bird and Magic are #1 and #2. And to me Bird by a hair

[@purplemonkeydishwasher4241]

@@brianstrutter1501 That's absolute nonsense. Jordan's athletic ability diminished somewhat significantly by the Bulls' second three peat and he was still by far the best basketball player in the world. That was because of his skill, footwork, guile, and basketball IQ. Even when he was on the Wizards and he was ancient in NBA terms (38 to 40 years Old) and his knees were shot he was still a very good player, who could dominate in stretches. To reduce Jordan's greatness as someone who was reliant on athletic ability is completely ridiculous and totally wrong.

[@dutchray8880]

Getting these two together for an interview made for one of Letterman's best shows. They're both hilarious in a way that lets you know they're also very smart.

[@Gadeberg90]

I love Larrys dry humor and dry delivery.

[@hshaughnessy17]

It is really cool how they became friends. They were filming a commercial together and Larry still wanted nothing to do with Magic. But Larry's mother was a huge Magic fan and wanted to meet him. So Bird invited him to lunch and they got to talking and realized they had a lot in common.

[@mastod0n1]

I just find it so funny that Larry's mom was a big Magic Johnson fan. Real recognize real hahaha

[@08191906]

Courtship of Rivals is, HANDS DOWN, the best sports documentary I have ever seen. And I've seen it several times. My wife will walk into the family room and say, "Really? Again?!"

[@warrenpuckett4203]

Each of them on the same court sold tickets. Lots of them.

[@eddiehansen6865]

I agree with Magic, they cared more about winning and making their team mates better than scoring points. Loved watching the two of them play, they had some of the slickest moves that would just come out of nowhere.

[@stephenfields7369]

I love them both soo much and they have the most heartwarming friendship. Theh will go down as the two who saved the nba.

[@newerafrican]

These two were both supremely confident here. They knew they were the best of their era. Michael took over in the '90's but these two were the sh*t in the '80's! And their personalities just dominated here. The rest of the interview is just as epic. Magic telling how he and Larry developed their relationship, etc. This is Letterman's best show, in my opinion. He pressed just enough but I feel that he knew that Bird was not some Hollywood suck-up looking to plug their latest movie. And Magic was the same, like "I'm cool with this but I don't need it, either. This is who we are and don't you all just love it?"

[@maryvallas772]

They are just the best! Watching Celtics/Lakers games when they played against each other was the absolute pinnacle of Basketball. You should see if you can find some archives and watch them. But seriously... the greatest gift we fans got was when the played together on the U.S. Olympic "Dream Team" in 1992. It was Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, John Stockton, Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Chris Mullin and Christian Laettner. It was the first time NBA players were allowed to participate in the Olympics, and they just decimated the competition!

[@michaelfiguly1654]

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird always credited each other as the better player, that's how much they respected each other ✔️ and they are very good friends to this day

[@aclosson8193]

Larry exhibits Classic Deadpan Humor. It's not an act. It's just Larry Bird. Majic is Majic. Just a smiling super outgoing likable guy. Their Bromance is a heartwarming thing to see. Two totally opposite personalities and very close friends.

[@iainprendergast8311]

Just love the whole dynamic of the conversation. Respect and plenty of comedy digs these guys didn’t fuck about

[@jaysharp789]

in 1985 Bird severely injured his back shoveling crushed rock. He was still great, but was never the same after that. Before that inury Bird was the best player in the NBA, and arguably the best ever

[@amberburris5674]

l just love their friendship!!! My favorite video of theirs is when they talk about becoming friends while shooting a commercial :)

[@Bakaat777]

Back when they played, they were both listed at 6'9". I've heard that small forwards always either lied about their height, or the teams told the league they were shorter than they really were for some reason. In the Larry Bird story compilation videos, there are some of the superstars telling stories about how big Bird actually was, most saying he was 6'10".

[@snowflakehunter]

Back in the day, the listed height for an NBA player was given by the agent. The NBA did not confirm this stat. Magic Johnson said himself that he was 6' 7 and 1/2" and Larry confirmed that he is 6' 9". So yes Larry was taller.

[@furryhoof647]

Back in the day alotta players stretched (or shrunk) the truth about their heights in an attempt to better suit their desired position. I've heard KG denied being 7 feet because he didn't wanna play center. Rodman and Barkley might have been thought to be too short to play PF if they didn't exaggerate their heights. Dunno why Magic would wanna be thought of as taller than he already was, considering he played point..... You'd think that teams would do their own measuring at draft combines and such, so i still don't see the point.

[@mastod0n1]

@@furryhoof647 also guys tend to overestimate their height on a regular basis. My doctor measured my height at 5' 8.25" and at least 3 times in my life someone told me I was wrong that I was 5' 8" because that would mean they weren't as tall as they thought they were.

[@kdm71291]

I started watching the Lakers and became a fan in Magic’s third season (81-82)….and grew up as a fan in the “Showtime” era….those two guys and their rivalry and their teams…saved the NBA and made it what it is today!

[@johnadair6108]

Barkley had a hilarious story about Bird from back in the day. He said Larry was cussing under his breath, visibly upset during one game. Barkley asked him what was up. Bird said, "you guys are disrespecting me!" Barkley said, " Whadda mean Larry?!" Bird says " you put a white guy on me!" Barkley fell out!

[@kingunda5013]

These two were the reasons why I wanted to play basketball as a kid back in the late 80's. They made the game look easy & fun, and that you dont have to be super athletic to excel in it.

[@hookedonreactions7649]

One of the best comments I’ve read on another reaction to this is that Magic looks like he spent 7 hours in front of the mirror getting ready and Bird looks like he reluctantly put on the suit his wife laid out for him.

[@shrimpboutique3584]

Dude, picturing Larry the Legend talking with tiny little Paul Schaefers voice had me rollin. Bird would probably pile drive you just for the thought if he didn't have a bad back. Bro in his day he would have pile drove you behind the 3 point line and still made the game winning shot with 1 second left on the clock

[@PixelPro-4000]

Letterman was talking to his band leader Paul Schaffer (and that's who Magic was pointing to). You should definitely do the entire interview! Also, you absolutely should react to the HBO documentary they are talking about. Break it up into pieces if you have to. Best NBA documentary ever.

[@josecastellanos5187]

You need to listen to PixelPro 4000!! LOL!! Mos def need to watch ALL of them!! I saw a another reactor speed the documentary a click and a half, and did the whole thing in one setting. I, for one, would be one of many that would sit through it again!!! Nice reaction...as always!

[@LadyShar]

@@josecastellanos5187 I 2nd the recomendation of the documentary it's called Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals and it is the best sports documentary

[@dussdamuss]

It's funny he mentioned if that voice was Larry birds at the beginning when it was Paul Schaffer. Paul Shaffer definitely has one of the nerdiest voices ever. And I mean that as a compliment!

[@WJV9]

@@dussdamuss - He is also one hell of a musician and keyboard player. His brass section from SNL was in the movie "The Blues Brothers". He was the band leader for Saturday Night Live for years and Letterman's band leader til retirement.

[@dussdamuss]

@@WJV9 I believe he was involved with Bruce Springsteen and the E street band also. Talented dude

[@LadyShar]

Yes please do parts 2 and 3. If you enjoy these you will love the documentary that David Letterman was talking about. Magic and Bird A Courtship of Rivals. Best sports doc ever

[@jaysharp789]

Before the back injuries Bird was the best player in the NBA, and you could argue ever. He was that good

[@dwreed9100]

Larry was listed at 6'9". But, he was closer to 6'10". Magic is 6'9", but Bird is noticeably taller.

[@brian7333]

Yes. Most of the time Larry looked more like 6'10 and Magic 6'8. Some of that was Larry's head but he had a good size reach too. Wiki is way off listing these 2 both at 6'9 ❌

[@Bear78420]

People shrink differently as they age too

[@dominic6283]

Bird was closer to 6’10” and Magic was closer to 6’8”.

[@snowflakehunter]

Back in the day, the listed height for an NBA player was given by the agent. The NBA did not confirm this stat. Magic Johnson said himself that he was 6' 7 and 1/2" and Larry confirmed that he is 6' 9". So yes Larry was taller.

[@mikegoodwin2386]

Yes, I've always seen them both listed as 6' 9", but every picture you see of them together, Larry is clearly taller than Magic. One pic and it might be the camera angle, or someone isn't standing up straight. But you can see it in EVERY pic.

[@tommyexler6955]

Larry Bird is a great humble man. His "net worrth" isn't even important to HIM. Just as long as he can provide for his family he's good. Just the kinda dude he is....Luckily I met him twice. He'd help anyone out & doesn't need gold or diamonds to feel special. He made himself special on the court for years.

[@usx06240]

Bird walked away from 6 mil. Before he retired. The Celtics told him all he had to do was start the season and see how it went. He felt he could no longer play up to his level for enough games.

[@tonytone6344]

Don't let the smile fool you...Magic was a straight killer..Bird knows

[@mikehunt368]

my moms church friend was basically larrys assistant when he was running the pacers. super cool dude. may come off as not friendly but he’s great

[@Crazson34]

There simply isn't a GOAT. There are GOAT'S and these are 2 of them.

[@Mvtobebo]

He was the biggest trash talker that didn't talk trash. He would tell em I'm gonna do this and then he did it.

[@cindyknudson2715]

Yup

[@kenmahoney5255]

The two greatest players Being two great friends.

[@sharonbird2921]

They said Larry Legend and MJ had that killer Instinct, but Larry loved Magic and good friends with MJ 🐐🐐🐐

[@PixelPro-4000]

Subscribed for your continued Larry Bird videos! Awesome!

[@joetoppe4643]

LOVE THE CHANNEL! Magic's line was the best!

[@jgrey8959]

Magic was just as competitive. It's just that he would smile at you while he ripped your heart out.

[@michaelmccaffery8327]

What a great interview moment on Letterman. Just hilarious to see these former rivals and now great friends together. Definitely check out the HBO special about them. One of the best ever.

[@alaskaguyd963]

Letterman is killing it. He understands the moment. He's taking this interview 100x more serious than he usually does.

[@JeffWiersma]

Can’t wait for you to react to the rest. Magic and Larry are 2 real ones and Larry is sneaky funny

[@shanedavis2554]

I love both of them Awesome athletes and they are legends

[@ConstitutionalFreedomFighter]

I wasn't really into basketball when I was a kid but I watched the Celtics. Bird, McHale, Parrish, Ainge and DJ where a match for anyone. I'd take that team over anything the NBA can put together today. I watched Ainge hit 7 3 pointers in a game and at the time it was unheard of. Boston in general has been a long time sports Meca. One of my earliest memories is watching Bobby Orr win the Stanley Cup in 70 and 72.

[@michaelofarrell488]

They were equally legends , you couldn’t pick wich one is better, both beasts , and both good dudes.

[@ericgarringer6911]

Magic had the killer instinct he hid it behind the laugh & smile Larry was just a stone killer don't let the good ol boy persona fool ya

[@user-dr8bg3ri7kavemaria]

I love, love, love, Magic and Bird!

[@francischambless5919]

I love that I got to grow up watching these absolute LEGENDS of basketball. These were great years to be alive enjoying a sport I think at the height of its existence.

[@oliverharvey1843]

It was my first year as a college student at Johns Hopkins University without a basketball team, prompting me to seek out a team to support and for some strange reason I picked Bird and simultaneously admired Magic. They lived up to the hype. Post college, they changed the NBA to be powerhouse sport. Larry has always been my favorite.

[@roberttheriac3259]

Paul Schafer was Dave's sidekick.

[@ruminator3570]

There's a reason for Larry's demeanor going way back in the day.

[@craighanson-rc1md]

THe voice at the beginning off camera is the side kick or leader of the band on set with David Letterman. The guy who leads the band leading in & out of commercial breaks. Supposably both Bird & johnson were 6'9

[@robertconville6269]

Bird and Magic! Magic and. Bird! They brought out the best in each other on and off the court!

[@jeanneharvey3809]

When Larry decided to retire his contract had for him to play to the 15th of that month he would get another 3.4 million extension and he went. In on the 12th. And said? I was. Done? They. Said why don't you give it a week? You'll get your money and he said no i'm done

[@MySOBER-Life]

Brothers from Another mother... Ones candid. One's dry humor - Ones Black Ones white- They played diffrently, but the same! Imagen them on the same team. Check out college all-stars or something like that first time they played together NO LOOK PASSES TO EACH OTHER sick ass video and sadly almost zero footage of Magic Feeding bird - in Roasting Rogers on the college dream team of 92 -

[@MortuusNoctis]

I remember having the 80’s video game One-On-One: Dr. J vs Larry Bird …and shooting the Nerf basketball in my bedroom while pretending to be them. The Celtics-Sixers-Lakers-Bulls-Pistons were so fun to watch during that era 🏀

[@7080nik]

In their playing days, these two were obsessed with each others game. Larry once said he would look a the sports section of a newspaper every night during the season to see what Magic's stats were for the game he played the night before.

[@stephensimon7621]

if you do not think magic was a killer, watch the old games. thaat is why bird respects him.

[@lonnieswafford4833]

Regardless of who was better or more competitive, Magic had that twinkle and explosive smile that made you like him.

[@timbeatty8411]

You said it perfect killer mentality number one. Jordan, Black Mamba, Steph Curry. Killers!!!

[@tanindunn8379]

I love both of these men. 2 of the greatest to ever play. But, Magic, that dude is a special human being. I have tremendous respect and admiration for him.

[@bubgum00]

I could listen to them talk for hours.

[@Debunker246]

Magic/Bird got me interested in basketball again...Pete M. was my individual hero, he got me shooting baskets, nut Mgic/Larry...they elevated the whole league. Both heroes of mine for that.

[@krazy8chris670]

The guy talking in the background is Paul Shaffer the one who used to do like the music intros for the guest when they came on. him and David Letterman would always talk all the time when things were going on

[@radar0412]

Magic and Larry were both listed at 6'9" but Larry was more like 6'10" and Magic about 6'8"

[@brianandrewleahy1]

Dude that is bandleader Paul Shaffer talking in the background at the beginning. Yeah he has a funny voice. He is also an insanely gifted musician.

[@MeIn321]

Dude Magic has that killer mentality. Ask my 76ers in 1980, when he played center and dominated them.

[@snowflakehunter]

Back in the day, the listed height for an NBA player was given by the agent. The NBA did not confirm this stat. Magic Johnson said himself that he was 6' 7 and 1/2" and Larry confirmed that he is 6' 9". So yes Larry was taller.

[@cindyknudson2715]

And many players who have met Bird say he's 6'10". I think maybe the league made them both 6'9" to add one more element to the rivalry. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@paulsullivan1650]

I've stood next to Larry Legend. He is easily 6'10" even though he's listed 6'9". Everyone says that Magic is 6'9" but he's really 6'8".

[@tcme11]

Truth

[@MrBrad777c]

Subbed. Magic my favorite player and got me into basketball. I likedthe way he was able to “trick” his opponents and yet still alt competitive. I was actually recruited by the lead scout of the Harlem Globetrotters and while I was too old and fat by that time and they were watching footage of me in my prime I still was the opening act for them on MLK day 2007. All footage on my channel. Bird had ice water in his veins and my Dads favorite player. Enjoyed your comentary and jealous cause you got twice my subs brother. But I still added you one.

[@MrBlaser51]

Awesome segment !!! Ride on !!!

[@iamhixish2748]

Approximately 75 million - the voice you hear during the intro is Paul Schrader, Letterman's musical directer and sidekick.

[@BB1-l2k]

Voice in background is Paul Schaffer, Letterman's music person/sidekick.

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

You said Magic was a "tall-ass point guard, he could play power forward or small forward..." Are you aware that in game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, Magic--in his rookie season--started at center (Kareem was injured) and played all 5 positions? And he was the Finals MVP. Also, Magic asked that his contract be restructured lower so the Lakers would have more salary money available. Kinda the opposite of the controversy when Kobe signed his last contract for $24 million a year, which killed the Lakers ability to rebuild their team. Finally a story about Magic. Back in the 90s he built a new home in an exclusive hilltop community on a lot overlooking the canyon in the rear. Of course he wanted a half court in the back yard and his designer asked him if he wanted the basket on the canyon side or the house side. Magic asked what difference would it make and his designer said, well with the basket on the canyon side, if you miss, you will lose the ball down the canyon. Magic smiled and said, Put it on the canyon side.

[@x00p3]

Magic started at Center in Game 6 of 1980 NBA finals to replace Kareem who was injured. He put up 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists!

[@johnwilliams5301]

I loved that both are great, but in their own ways. Sort of like strawberry and vanilla ice cream are both great, but in their own way. In the interview they both shine yet also they are almost polar opposites. Great video and awesome reaction.

[@seangelarden8753]

Met Larry Bird right after he was named Coach of the Pacers and he couldn't have been nicer

[@warrenhughes911]

Great reaction Larry Legend.. Yessir..DREAM TEAM....please react..

[@jmsiii4751]

Gotta watch the rest of this interview, that’s when you really see the closeness of these two guys, don’t know if there will be anything like this again

[@PaulImprota]

That voice was Paul Schaeffer, Letterman Show band leader. Larry is 6 ft 9 inches

[@gregbarry5875]

The voice is Paul Shaffer, he was Letterman's sidekick and band leader....bird was 6,10" Pat Riley put Magic in at Center in one game. He has played all 5 positions at some point in his career.

[@michaelofarrell488]

They are really really good friends for many years

[@seandougherty9568]

The guy talking on the background is Paul Schaeffer (he was David Letterman's bandleader and sideman). He would comment a lot from the side of the stage. It was not Larry Bird.

[@steveantunovic3944]

2 of the greatest!!

[@nanook8721]

Magic and Bird: a Courtship of Rivals is probably one of the best sports documentaries… Or documentaries of any kind, that I’ve ever seen. Well worth purchasing or just watching. It’s intriguing. Two guys that are so much alike, yet totally different.

[@Guide1089]

Paul Schaefer is the voice you asked about, he was the band leader. Magic was 6'8" min, LB was 6'9" minimum.

[@phoenixmichaels]

BOTH Larry and Magic were listed as 6'9". But Larry grew another inch after his rookie season, and was closer to 6'10".

[@snowflakehunter]

Back in the day, the listed height for an NBA player was given by the agent. The NBA did not confirm this stat. Magic Johnson said himself that he was 6' 7 and 1/2" and Larry confirmed that he was 6' 9". So yes Larry was taller.

[@kemperwatson3490]

Those two almost saved the NBA by themselves at that point in time. They Celtic-Lakers rivalry along with both of their unselfish play turned the NBA around..

[@descepticon9213]

Magic smiles to soften you up for the kill. He a demon on the court.

[@randy362005]

The voice was Dave's music director, Paul Shaffer. They are both 6'9"

[@frdonaldkloster869]

Larry Bird was 6'10" and Magic seems like he was 6"8" when they stand together.

[@written12]

Magic was a great competitor but an extrovert and a warm guy.

[@ebenclukey7293]

Larry's 6'9. That was Paul Schafer's voice. (The band leader)

[@LadyShar]

I always leave a like for you and almost always comment

[@worldfamouslanglois4805]

this cracked me the F up nice one

[@buffmaloney]

I wasn't a Bird fan when he joined the league. I was a Pacers fan. My fav player was Dr. J. I am now a huge Bird fan.

[@gregkleinfall1901]

Magic and Bird saved the NBA. Games weren't even broadcast live when they came into the league. Then they passed the torch to Jordan.

[@mserf8132]

The best part of this video is watching and listening to you react; you are awesome! Keep up the great and hard work!

[@Bjmendez1264]

If I had to start a team would be Bird or Magic. They both made their teams and players better.

[@davep8221]

That voice was Paul Schafer, band leader.

[@michaelberes6660]

That's the voice of the band leader, Paul Schaefer.

[@F1rstWorldNomaD]

Earvin doesnt have that killer instinct. Magic does. Earvin and Magic are two different people. No joke.

[@michaelofarrell488]

Do a part 2, the NBA Games and playoffs were legendary

[@henrythoureau7097]

Another great video. Larry is great, but Magic is divine.

[@victorhiggins2118]

They were both listed at 6'9" but Larry was closer to 6'10" and magic closer to 6'8"