Magic Johnson explains who is the number 1 NBA player that he has ever played against .

[@NBAreferencepage]

Hey do you pick Michael Jordan as the number 1 NBA player of all time? If so would you like to go on a podcast to show your facts then? If you want to go on send me an email [e-mail]

[@christopherschlacter4953]

@@NBAreferencepage Cherry picking, I gotta admit I misjudged you, you are more full of shit than I thought.

[@adityatyagi4009]

@@NBAreferencepage Screw you and your worthless podcast. The data show that MJ was the greatest. You won't listen to anyone and have pretty poor arguments. There is no cherry picking facts about MJ. Only a MJ hater talks like you.

[@Skyscraper330]

@@gtepp031387 it’s why he has only 3k subscribers… I think I just read he doesn’t think MJ is a top 75 player… Sorry, an ass clown who thinks this…. isn’t worthy of debate because he needs a mental home instead… Some people are just not worthy of my time… Especially losers who think they know it all… @the universe galaxy nba just because you hate Jordan doesn’t mean we have to listen to you enjoy your 3 subscribers chump…

[@adityatyagi4009]

You haven't proven anyone wrong. You're a typical MJ hater and don't have any data to support your claims and then claim victory because people don't want to engage with you. You're essentially claiming 1+1 = 3 and then think you've won because people don't want to bother with you when it's obvious that 1+1 = 2. Are you getting paid for this? Get a life. No one cares about your podcast. You are wrong and everyone knows it except you. Then you act like a victim, get angry at MJ fans, and then do the same routine repeatdly. Discredit the data and come back when you've done that. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut unless you wish to keep embarrassing yourself.

[@adityatyagi4009]

@@NBAreferencepage Many top pros believe that MJ is the GOAT. Why should they be disbelieved and you believed? hahaha! You are appearing more ridiculous by the minute. Can you even shoot a free throw? Can you even do a lay up? Can you even dribble the ball? I doubt it. Just another blowhard on the Internet with zero credibility and talent.

[@sevenrats]

I'm a Boston Celtics fan, from Boston and I think that Ervin Johnson has to be one of the most grounded humble humans ever. A true gentleman.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

I feel so lucky to have grown up with Bird and Magic. It was just amazing to watch.

[@theoffgridtravelers7316]

I saw every big game in the Garden from 81 to 88. When LA came to town it was electric. Greatest 2 teams ever.

[@jimlittle5769]

Exactly. In fact when Magic retired, I completely stopped watching the NBA.

[@siyonqoba4810]

Me too man. Me fuckkin too✊🏾

[@michaeljackson7361]

Alot like Russell and Chamberlain

[@stephenrolfe3171]

@@michaeljackson7361 Wilt got most of the recognition while Russell got the "goods"!!! Bill was the better center

[@paulazzar8936]

Classy man to recognize Larry for the player he was. Thank you Magic, you were great too and the fact you became such close friends makes you too a fairytale. unreal.

[@ezsmith3765]

🧚‍♀️ Fairytale 🧚

[@bradcallaghan8099]

Every player after Magic and Larry that got huge contracts should owe them a royalty. They elevated the entire league to heights it had never seen before with that rivalry.

[@shinyhappyshibas1385]

so true!

[@marykuettner752]

Shaq has said that.

[@walterf6993]

Ditto. And the same dynamic happened in boxing when Muhammad Ali took it from a back-room, dark alley, mob racket, to a main-stream popular American sport.

[@ralphshelley9586]

Wilt? Russell? Pettit? Causey? Mikan

[@bryanwray6171]

​@ralphshelley9586 your right about those guys but Bird and Magic took it to the next level and Jordan slammed dunk that.

[@robertswift6101]

larry bird--super basketball IQ and a will to win at any cost including his body....magic is 100% spot on when talking about larry legend.

[@stephanM5]

Talk about a down to earth appreciative human being, the guy is still humble even though he's worth several hundred million dollars. His parents must be proud.

[@dwocelot6913]

What a class act

[@russiancardboardarmor5976]

What a great guy... cheated on his gf/who became his wife got HIV and thought he gave it to her and his unborn child at the time luckily he didn’t he’s awesome

[@larry4debbi]

@@russiancardboardarmor5976 I'm sorry we can't be a angel like you. I'm sure people think you are a good person, because you never made mistakes

[@Chris-kb7vo]

most of these people cant handle the truth.

[@stephanM5]

@Audio and whips its the same thing, several hundred million is 620 million! Read what I wrote. Notice I didn't say several million, I said several hundred million=620 million

[@johnthompson1978]

Funny how Magic and Bird both started life on the back of a trash truck, then went on to rival each other and become two of the NBA's greatest players.

[@rddavies]

Never thought of that!

[@vakp799]

Magic is such a good storyteller. He has that talent to keep things interesting.

[@boydmking1]

He is the best storyteller of our lives. Better than he was a player in the NBA. You got that right. His tall tales tell the tale. Taller than his height!

[@eddiel2531]

From a die hard 76ers fan, growing up with Dr. J as my favorite player, it was a great time for basketball. Magic, Kareem, Bird, Parrish, McHale were awesome competitiors in the league. Gotta say, it was bitter sweet for Philly to sweep the Lakers in 83 with Dr. J getting his first NBA title

[@thegoodfight8316]

I love hearing him talk about his background stories. He s such a charismatic person even just casually telling a story he is Magic! A lot of the old school players came from hard working families. What does that tell you about that lesson his father gave him? One reason why he became the greatest PG of all time!!!

[@newerafrican]

Larry and Magic ushered in the "modern" NBA. When they first arrived, the playoffs were tape-delayed and aired after the news! Both had an immediate impact on their team and on the league. Boston's attendance and the TV ratings surged when Bird played, and Magic was so personable and charismatic in LA that it electrified the league. David Stern must have thanked his lucky stars when these two were drafted.

[@siyonqoba4810]

They made me fall in love with the NBA. Magic was my hero. He's the real GOAT. Bird was the perfect anti-hero. Miss those days

[@capefearcapt4679]

I would have to include Dr. J as well.

[@jamesbryson575]

This story gives me so much admiration for Magic Johnson. God bless his parents.

[@beaudroux21]

They say that about each other. It’s mutual respect. That bond is completely unique in sports.

[@makula5543]

Magic is such a great, diverse man! What a wonderful baller he was - top 3 in 40 plus years of watching hoops.

[@kevwmobile3238]

The two men that saved the NBA.

[@speedracer2336]

You are so right. I don't watch the NBA anymore even though I like Steph Curry. Current NBA could use a couple men like these two superstars!

[@dustyroze150]

@@speedracer2336 yeah, on each Coast

[@stankormy5717]

Magic was the best point guard ever!

[@jimhowaniec]

Rabid Celts fan, Larry is my man, we looove Magic. A great man.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

Magic is just a great human being in every way. No surprise that he had great parents and most importantly a great father.

[@russiancardboardarmor5976]

So cheating on your gf/wife almost giving her and his unborn child hiv is a great human being nowadays 🤔

[@johnostrowski3402]

Amen, Magic! Larry Legend.

[@rddavies]

One thing about Magic that strikes me. Many generations ago certain (usually rich) people were called "sportsmen". They spent their lives doing or around one sport or another and always with a highly developed idea of sportsmanship and conduct. With his activities in basketball, baseball and possibly other sporting things he really evokes for me that almost throwback idea of being a "sportsman".

[@mikef7672]

Everyone loves Magic and Bird

[@Birdfan465]

If you don't your messed up

[@MrBrad777c]

LEGEND: The man that got all 3 of us boys into basketball growing up. Laker fan to this day because of him. Showtime.....

[@hughbennett5342]

Magic Johnson what a Class Act human being!

[@Kfm7]

In my opinion I think Larry is the purest shooter in nba history. There have been a lot but bird was absolutely the best.

[@dicklindell948]

Not even close, Bird is the GOAT!

[@evanneal7604]

Yeah, Steph, Pete, Barry, Mullin, West and etc.

[@mariovh]

He’s my Basketball Hero I love Magic 💜💛

[@charlesking4780]

The Magic Bird rivalry was the best in the history of any sport. 🏀

[@salmonkill7]

Magic is such a GENTLEMAN and he is absolutely correct that Magic and BIRD saved the NBA!! Young people should emulate Magic, he is a great example for young people today!!

[@bigblack4001]

Two Midwestern boys growing up in the 60s and 70s… They don’t make them like they used to!

[@the45er]

Class, pure class!

[@yes2day100]

I love my Magic. I once was sat right across from him in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown LA. The restaurant (a great one by the way) was (and still is) Yang Chow on Broadway. I was there with some friends, and he came in with what was clearly another basketball player (very tall, thin, and fit) and their wives, and they had his young son by Cookie, who was huge for a 3 year old. I said to Cookie, 'your son is almost as big as you are,' and she laughed and agreed. Anyway, I didn't bother them otherwise. But I was a huge Magic fan, and they were so unassuming and quiet. One of my favorite memories. I hated Larry Bird at the time. But now I am a huge fan of his. I love that Larry and Magic are such wonderful friends. It makes everything even in the world. Cookie, by the way, is one of the classiest women I have ever met or seen in my life.

[@gordonodenbark535]

I adore Magic! His smile lights up an entire room.

[@isiahwashington2999]

I have studied basketball all my life. There is n way to pick the greatest player. The game changes over time. Wilt and Bill Russell have to be considered in the conversation. Kareem has to be in it. Larry Bird and Magic, MJ. People always choose who they saw the most. Currently you have the LeBron, Durant and Steph Curry fans. The game changes. For my money there is no one better, more skilled, can do more things than Larry Bird. There were more “how did he do that” comments with him than any other player I have ever seen.

[@flipburger2361]

Even more ‘how did he do that’ comments on bird than Jordan? Did not expect that

[@jameschan9634]

I cannot refute one thing you've said. But because he made everyone around him better, and his teams played the game joyfully, I'd choose Magic first over anybody. Kareem was in his 40's, no way he averages 20ppg without Magic. Worthy was a greatly skilled athlete, but I don't see him making HOF if he wasn't Magic's teammate. Michael Cooper? NO ONE would even know who he is without Magic. Same with Byron Scott. Imagine if Bird and Magic were teammates???

[@jameschan9634]

@Richard Charles agree. Today, the athletes are bigger, stronger, and more highly skilled. The stars of yesteryear were mentally tougher, had much more integrity and character, and were warriors, not divas.

[@redrick8900]

Bird is the greatest. See, it's easy.

[@jameschan9634]

@Richard Charles you can publish your diatribe if you want, but all you have to do is watch some film to see the difference. Obviously, you never played the game. The game was much slower, only the PG had any ball handling skills. Now, even the centers can be pg's. Did the stars of the Jurassic Period shoot the ball beyond 18-20 feet? Could they even make a 3 pointer without a bit of luck? The outside shot was only for guards and small forwards. Now, EVERYONE shoots the long ball. PG's were never bigger than 6'3' until Oscar Robertson. Now? Most of the centers could barely run and breathe at the same time. They were mostly statues. The greatest winner of that era, Bill Russell, would be overwhelmed in today's game. I bet you believe the election was stolen too, that's how idiotic your premise is.

[@joebirdwelljr629]

Bird is my favorite player. Lots of love for Magic as well. Jordan not my favorite, but utmost respect to him. The fact that Larry and Magic brought the NBA from low ratings to high ratings as well as renewing the Celtic-Laker rivalry is proof in itself....

[@jdp0359]

It just makes you feel good when you hear Magic Johnson speak.....

[@ronaldwilson1431]

He just has a positive attitude

[@frankzito1660]

Great individual. Class. Special guy.

[@rjpearsonIV]

Liked it ! I miss those days. Magic and the Lakers and Larry Bird and the Celtics. Those games were heated. Magic and his amazing assists and his desire to win. Larry Bird, it didn't matter who was in his face .. the NBA defensive player of the year ... it didn't matter. Get in Larry's face when he is going to shoot the ball and by in large ... it was a SWISH. It was very discouraging if you were not a celtics fan. Smiles.

[@peterstrods6011]

Loved watching you both play against each other

[@josephobrien991]

Man, those were the days! Don't forget about my Sixers back then, though!

[@garyjensen3414]

MAGIC--------great man!

[@jmad627]

So much respect for Ervin even though I’m a Celtics fan. 😉

[@jameschan9634]

ditto re:Bird, from this pre-LeBron Laker Fan. There will never be 2 competitors like Bird and Magic. Truly the Golden Age of the NBA, which will never again be that great. Much respect for the current Celtic team, they play for each other, more rings are on the horizon. Wish I could say the same about the Los Angeles LeBrons.

[@theoffgridtravelers7316]

@@jameschan9634 I loved my Celtics but I wouldn't want to choose between Magic and Larry. Saw every big game in the Garden from 81 to 88. That old dumpy garden was electric like no other for a BB game. Or hockey, lol.

[@jameschan9634]

@@theoffgridtravelers7316 as a basketball fan, I would be ecstatic if either were on my team. But as a pre LeBron Laker fan, I have to choose Magic, he is aptly named. I saw how he elevated the play of his teammates: Kareem doesn't average 20 ppg while being in his 40's without Magic...Worthy doesn't make HOF for the same reason. Cooper and Scott would not have had such great careers without Magic. Bird was the Ultimate Assassin, Magic gave life to all his teammates.

[@DoggieFosters]

@@jameschan9634 I think it's widely recognized that Bird also absolutely made his teammates better. In fact, it's one of the main traits he's recognized for.

[@jameschan9634]

@@DoggieFosters I don't doubt that, Bird's teams were truly great. But the quality I see in him that stands above was his killer instinct, how he took the heart out of his competition.

[@kermitefrog64]

This is an excellent lesson for young people today.

[@billhair9552]

I love me some Magic.

[@stuballs42]

Pat Riley said it best years ago " If it were a shot to win the game I would pick Magic ,if it were a shot to save my life I would pick Bird!"

[@RS-np2bk]

Actually he said Jordan not Magic.

[@douglaslett7504]

I wonder when I think of Kareem's sky hook or Steph Curry shooting ability !

[@davee7344]

@@douglaslett7504 who the hell is little Stephanie curry, chews on his little mouthpiece and shoots jumpers , big deal no defense now a days he wouldn’t avg 10 points in the 80’s

[@oscarwilde6649]

@@douglaslett7504 Little, brittle, one-dimensional Stephanie Curry?? 🤣🤣🤣 Isn't even in the Top 10 at his own position all-time: *Top 10 PGs All Time* 1) Magic 2) Oscar 3) Walt Frazier 4) Luka Doncic 5) Isiah Thomas 6) Allen Iverson 7) Jason Kidd 8) John Stockton 9) Steve Nash 10) Gary Payton

[@stuballs42]

@@RS-np2bk Ok I stand corrected ,BUT, Bird takes the last shot and I think I'm right on that !!!

[@acornsucks2111]

Magic mentions a couple of times about making the other players better. So many cannot grasp the concept that basketball is five on five. For example, Robert Parrish's shooting percentage increased about 5 percentage points when he left Golden State for Boston, and stayed that way during the 80's. If he didn't come to the Celts and play with Bird, Parrish would be just another forgotten middle of the road center.

[@naturalblockade3412]

Yes. Basketball is five on five but there is still MVP not just for the season but also for the championship.

[@acornsucks2111]

@@naturalblockade3412 That's true, and making other players better is part of being an MVP.

[@willdavis6502]

Maybe

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@acornsucks2111 Did Bird all by himself made Parish better without any effort on the part of Parish? What percentage of making other players better contribute to an MVP award? My expectation is that the MVP award is based on objective criteria.

[@acornsucks2111]

@@naturalblockade3412 Well, if you were old enough to have watched Bird and Parrish play together you would not ask that question.

[@urbainhodge8886]

Magic thanks for to pro . Larry was great ball player. .You was a great leader

[@Camcolito]

I don't even give a shit about basketball, but Magic Johnson strikes me as a legend.

[@James-ql8bo]

I had the privilege of watching Magic, Bird, DR. J, Kareem, Jordan and so many more these guys was awesome. Bird was the shit and I still watch the NBA its just played different now its more fast pace a more run and gun not near as much D Fence.

[@bobdavis3357]

There is a SOLID case for Magic being the GOAT. He could have scored more. But he has 5 rings. He fed one of the greatest center's of all in Kareem, and was responsible for 30+ to 40+ points, night after night. Played every position, could rebound with the best when needed. Hit clutch shots when needed. Took over games like Bird and Kobe. In 1991, Magic took a very mediocre team to the nba finals against Jordan's Bulls. Magic could definitely be the GOAT. IF Magic weren't infected with HIV back in 91, he would have beat the Bulls for his 6th title. Jordan's awesome. But. Magic, RUSSELL, Bird, Kobe and Kareem are better. Russell could shut down the entire front court, AND contain the incredible Wilt. So, that's my opinion.

[@TheGreatVeE]

A lot of what Magic says in here confirms a lot of what is depicted in Winning Time. I believe Winning Time.

[@maryday8465]

I love you Magic I love your pal Larry Bird even more I've KZbin everything about you guys I've always been a Boston Celtics fan for 30 years I've also been a magic fan! The more I've learned about you and Larry has meant a lot to me I do watch ja Morant highlights but most of all I watch the Golden Age stuff with you guys the Liga So Soft now it's ridiculous all the coloring feeling is gone say hi to Larry for me if you see him and keep taking care of yourself and your family you look great I think you're a very special man

[@johnliberty3647]

His father in the home, working 2 jobs, yeah I can see why magic was so successful even beyond his great talents.

[@jaycepero8069]

LA and Boston were better than the 90s Bulls, but the didn't win as many championships because they traded off titles multiple times and had to contend with champions like Detroit and Philly. Simply put the 80s is the best era of NBA basketball.

[@Allensmom20]

Best match up ever

[@klicknkreate7077]

These remarks about Larry Bird from the greatest point guard in the history of basketball, Magic Johnson. People calling Chris Paul the greatest point guard all-time must have never seen Magic play or lost their minds. Shoot, CP put up another playoff dud against the Mavs while getting dominated by Luka and have to listen to Luka talk mess to his face while he was doing it too. 💯

[@jameschan9634]

Magic is my #1 player of all time, a total winner. But I have no negativity towards CP3, if he had been allowed to come to the Lakers, there would be many more banners hanging in Staples Center...or whatever it's called now.

[@klicknkreate7077]

@@jameschan9634 CP3 is a HOF player without a doubt but he is not the top PG in the NBA now much less all-time and not even a top 5 all-time, Luka showed how true that is. What we saw in this series outa CP was downright embarrassing.

[@jameschan9634]

@@klicknkreate7077 CP3 is a winner. But he is injury prone, which has prevented him from more rings, as it did against the Mavs. If you have to limp off the court in a 7th game, then what ya gonna do? You sound like a Hater and a Homer.

[@klicknkreate7077]

@@jameschan9634 Actually, I respect CP's game and he is certainly a HOF player. However, CP has also made some costly turnovers in the playoffs past and present, and he is injury prone. I think he will never win a chip and that he has a lot to do with that. Top 5 PG all-time, definitely not and yesterday and the series as a whole against the Mavs is a prime example that.

[@jameschan9634]

@@klicknkreate7077 ok, Top 5 is a stretch, but he is a winner and if he was your team's PG, would you be happy or want to trade him? Phoenix got really good when CP3 arrived, they were sad before him.

[@rudyfavela7451]

That's tough so many great players Magic went up against in his career. But I do feel that when the Lakers faced the bulls in the finals it wasn't the same Lakers that were so great in the eighties. I'm surprised they even made it that far. They were nothing like the 85 Lakers.

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

The 91 Lakers had no business doing in the finals, they were there because of Magic Johnson.

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

@@GameTime-yj6qv The 91-Lakers had a better roster than the Bulls from top to bottom. Why ya'll try to rewrite history, the Lakers had the best record in the league the yr before.

[@waltciii3]

@@sideshowbobsaget8876 but then Magic had to retire before the next season due to the HIV... My rewrite of history is the Lakers retool and beat the Bulls and Magic retires in 1996.

[@mr.chandler9177]

Magic 🎩 Top 5

[@parmanduke]

Best era in NBA ever was the Bird vs Magic Lakers vs Celtics era. The rivalry intensity has yet to be matched. Can you imagine Lakers of today vs Celtics of today playing in an NBA final? Dullsville

[@siyonqoba4810]

I miss the NBA when teams hated each other

[@darrallshamarwilliams7560]

Why?

[@siyonqoba4810]

@@darrallshamarwilliams7560 the same reason people record fist fights more than people holding hands. We're innately evil and love conflict more

[@redrick8900]

@@darrallshamarwilliams7560 Games used to feel like they mattered. If the players don't care if they win or lose why should I?

[@jameschan9634]

Magic and Bird: the highest level of competitors, one black, one white. Neither one gave an inch on the court, they should have been mortal enemies, and if they played today, they would probably hate each other. But these 2 Great Human Beings, instead, had the utmost Respect for each other, and became great friends. This country could learn alot from them, and if this country wants to survive, we should emulate them.

[@redrick8900]

They hated each other then. It wasn't until years into their rivalry that they became friends and they did that off the court.

[@russiancardboardarmor5976]

How does magic taste better watch out you might catch it

[@jameschan9634]

@@russiancardboardarmor5976.....and this comment reveals your ass holiness. Not unexpected from a typically racist Boston Celtic fan.

[@carlosdanger7907]

I don't care who you are or what you think your reasons are. If you dislike Magic Johnson or Larry Bird, you are alone.

[@kingjoejoe1549]

I get it now...Lebron didn't want to be Jordan in his game (brand wise) yes he did they all did after his era. Magic Johnson makes a big difference because Lebron is more like magic then Jordan and Steph is more like all the shooters that made his teams better.

[@speedracer2336]

Majic is in my top 5 all time, great Ambassador for the sport!

[@XXX.0X]

Way to go out on a limb. He's my number ONE all time.

[@anthonyali2114]

Bird and magic will always be in my top 10 , TRAIL BLAZERS that's what they are

[@georges4401]

He didn't say Bird was the best player ever he said Bird was the best player he ever played AGAINST.

[@khiladiincorporated6286]

Magic had said multiple times on record MJ is the greatest player of all time.

[@waldolydecker8118]

@@khiladiincorporated6286 - that's Magic's opinion, if he in fact said it. But they say opinions are like azzholes, everybody has one. All opinions are subjective; fortunately we have record books that are 100% objective and 0% subjective. Metrics and data from the record books make it clear that from High School to College to the Pros, Kareem Abdul Kabbar is the greatest player of all time. MJ pales in comparison. Total Facts, not opinion.

[@jgpsalm23]

@@waldolydecker8118 high school and college have nothing to do with it. The majority have Kareem #3 behind Jordan and Lebron.

[@MuddyPoppins]

@@waldolydecker8118 Metrics and stats do not measure true greatness or win championships, and comparing an apple to an orange to a banana doesn’t prove which is the best fruit either. Even Kareem said Larry Bird was the greatest player he ever competed against. If Jordan is a Lamborghini, Kareem might be considered a stretch limousine, and Larry Bird a Dodge Ram 3500…all are useful, with different capabilities, but I’ll take the one that’s made for hard work and can carry the heaviest load. And… if you really want to keep it in the stat-geek context, what rookie has the greatest post-draft single season franchise record turnaround?

[@rickteasley2237]

Bird and the Celtics beat MJ and the bulls like a drum...jus saying

[@jamesmorton5182]

I am convinced in my little mind that Mr Bird and MR Johnson and the Goats of the Hardwood

[@finerbiner]

Magic is being nice, because he is. he has named Michael as the best many, many times.

[@NBAreferencepage]

And he has also not named Michael Jordan many times. But you Michael Jordan fans always focus when he picks your guy and you ignore when he does not pick your guy then. And of course when he picks Michael Jordan you don't say that he is just being nice, anyway all these reasons are why you Michael Jordan fans are the worst NBA fanas then .

[@finerbiner]

Sure, anyone who points out a fact is a dick rider right? You are pathetic.

[@briandenapoli3250]

Watch his 61 against 86 celtics and then say he not best your only opinion is mj isnt best without picking somebody else larry bird is my fav player but just go watch mj early games he was better than than in the ring seasons nobody i mean nobody could stop him

[@albertochoa7331]

Cool. Nice attitude.

[@lonsolo5607]

Cool video

[@utbpn6]

Every player will make their case for the player that they themselves had trouble with in their era… It’s always gonna be that …

[@mytimemanagement2796]

#MagicDaGOAT #2 Bird #3 Kar...Jorda...Isaiah

[@mikebeasley6447]

BEING A 65 YEAR OLD SPORTS FANATIC (FOOTBALL #1 BASKETBALL #2 BASEBALL#3) MY #1 COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAME OF ALL TIME WAS & CONTINUES TO BE MAGIC & MICHIGAN STATE VERSUS BIRD & INDIANA STATE. WHAT MOST PEOPLE WHO DESCRIBE THAT PERIOD OF TIME FAIL TO EMPHASIZE IS EVEN THOUGH THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WASN'T AS CLOSE AS WE ALL HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE THE PLAYOFFS WERE ELECTRIC NO DOUBT. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW WITHOUT THE MAGIC & BIRD RIVALRY MICHAEL JORDAN WOULD HAVE BEEN A FOOTNOTE IN AMERICAN SPORTS HISTORY BECAUSE ALL OF HIS GREATNESS WOULD HAVE BEEN ONLY SEEN ON TAPE DELAY FOR THE MOST PART EXCEPT FOR MAYBE SUNDAY AFTERNOONS. HAVING LIVED IT & EXPERIENCED IT I CAN TESTIFY. I NEVER AGREED WITH IT BUT I DIDN'T HAVE A SAY IN THE MATTER. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@charliekennedy2545]

Man i hated magic so much for so many years lol. Now i love the guy and really miss the way that man played. And he is correct. No one plays like he and bird did in the 80s anymore. Complete and total unselfish basketball..team ball. Great grea great passers.

[@mr.chandler9177]

Self Care is The Best U Can Give The World Instead Of Whats Left The If U.. " Daishawn Riley " Dayton Ohio

[@brian7333]

Magic said Larry was the greatest he ever played against. Magic played against Jordan. I'm nodding now

[@Birdfan465]

Who the f..... is Jordan

[@EBthere]

Magic has also said Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever AND the greatest athlete. As does Kobe Bryant.

[@NBAreferencepage]

And Magic Johnson also did not pick Mcihael Jordan and Kobe Bryant also did not pick him. But like most Michael Jordan fans you people will always go with anyoen who picks Michael Jordan. And you will always ignore when peopel do not pick Michael Jordan.

[@rethink62]

Finals used to be on tape delay before Bird and Magic They made the NBA Jordan took it to the next level

[@NBAreferencepage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXalgH2Ybd-apLc

[@yourontheair]

class

[@terrytitus5291]

Incredible how Bird,Magic started in college,kept their rivalry throughtout the NBA,Magic was the best all-around player I saw but I watched mostly Laker games growing up,it's a bias for sure!!!

[@bigcgr9758]

He's from Lansing not east Lansing, technically he's from the west side of Lansing. It annoys me when people say that . Obviously I'm from Lansing also lol

[@matttirado7661]

Magic and Bird held off Michael for 8 years.

[@briandenapoli3250]

And isaiah

[@zrx12gs650g]

Magic is a great guy! Such a great player and he's right, in his prime you just don't get any better than Larry Bird! I know Jordan is King but Larry is right there close!

[@jeffskousen7454]

The NBA will never be like it was during Magics and birds and Jordan's era

[@billmorrison9068]

It might very well be better than you think if you consider the likes of Luka, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey.

[@redrick8900]

@@billmorrison9068 Yeah, those four guys almost nobody has heard of in a league almost nobody watches.

[@gregorycampbell2164]

Magic Johnson was a great player but Larry bird was garbage

[@brian7333]

Magic: "Larry was the best I ever played against."

[@waltciii3]

If Magic didn't get HIV and Bird didn't get hurt, then MJ would have had at least 2 fewer Championships and Detroit 1 less. I figure Bird would get 2 more and Magic at least one More.

[@ranmangolf]

Any idea of what year this interview was given?

[@Proudathiest1]

I always have so much more respect for guys , and girls, that got their hands dirty at least at some point before they made all their money

[@kevinhays2142]

Notice Magic said Bird was the greatest player that he played against. He never played against Kareem. I heard a story that the Dream Team scrimmaged against each other And Jordan completely dominated everyone (and that was told by Magic or Bird). Magic is rarely in the discussion of number 1 players of all time. He should be. He could score 40 if he needed to, but preferred to get the entire team involved. Same with Russell. Unselfish winners.

[@alvingray-el8527]

That was Magic's opinion, but to say the Least, Dr, Julius Erving was the Greatest Professional Basketball Player of the History of the NBA, and the ABA, Period without a doubt or contradiction!!! Guaranteed!!!

[@boblarry649]

Irvin Magic the man

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

Credit where due. Magic won that championship playing three on four.

[@joeldriver3971]

Interesting to hear Magic say that. When the Bulls beat the Lakers 4-1 in the playoffs in 1991 Jordan averaged 31. pts. 6.6 rbds. 11.4 asts 2.8 stls and shot 56%. My guess is that he's saying Bird was the best he ever faced because he not only played against him in college in a national championship game and they had to double team him but just because he faced him so many times in the playoffs. He was his rival and while Jordan stomped a mudhole in his team he just faced him once.

[@mayankrathi7333]

Magic played Jordan without Kareem and an unfit Worthy..and Bird well those were the match made in heaven..Put Kareem and Worthy in their prime on floor against that Jordan team and then script changes.. Magic had too much to do at that time and also he was never the same after his 89 injury.. LA of the 80s would've outdone bulls because of 1 factor KAREEM.. Nobody could've stopped him as bulls didn't have no big dominant..Celtics took Parish and McHale dominant big man just for Kareem and DJ etc to help..So his best battles were just at a different level against LARRY LEGEND...hence Jordan never won in 80s cz those teams were on a different level Boston LA.. n before the expansion draft Detroit..once Mahorn n all were out of there then others had a chance...

[@davidwalls6749]

Whenever Jordan’s team played Birds in the playoff, they never advanced. That speaks volumes to how phenomenal Birds Celtics were. Bird will offer praise and say how great Jordan was as an athlete, and he was, but some of that is simple humility as well. A trait very few have anymore. With Bird it wasn’t about stats. He played it as a team sport. I didn’t miss a Celtics game back in the day. I remember Bird being upset for a few games to the point he would not shoot the ball. I remember a few single digit games by him, passing the open shot just to push his team. He wanted more out of them and you know what..it worked. Instead of him carrying the load on his shoulders, he placed it on theirs for a change and they stepped up. He was the Captain and he fit that role well. If it wasn’t for injuries with him, Kevin or Robert, 6-7 trophies would have been in play easily. They were that good.

[@LevonAllen13]

David Walls as Laker fanatic, I've got respect for this comment- we ain't supposed to like each other, but great is fn great.

[@joeldriver3971]

@@mayankrathi7333 The 1st time Jordan faced the Celtics it was clear he was SIGNIFICANTLY better than anybody on the court scoring 49 and 63 pts. the 1st 2 games of that playoff series. That was a 67 win NBA championship team. Jordan completely embarrassed them he just didn't have any help yet. It wouldn't have mattered if Kareem would have played or Worthy was healthy Jordan's Bulls would have beat their ass.

[@chrisbr1969]

@@joeldriver3971 he “embarrassed” them by losing. There’s more to being the “greatest” than scoring points.

[@wardellholder8203]

It's simple! You can't talk Magic without Bird, just like you can't talk Shaq without Kobe, and you can't talk Malone without Stockton.

[@ac4185]

LeBron would be like this guy is the best because he is me.

[@irishgrl]

LARRY LEGEND! THE TRUE GOAT!

[@irissanders7487]

He's one of them........ask Larry who he thinks is God portraying MJ on the court. A real true GOAT...MJ

[@MuddyPoppins]

@@irissanders7487 I don’t think so… That’s not how Larry rolls. Larry knows who the real goat is, and Larry knows that Michael knows who the real goat is, and Michael knows that Larry knows that Michael knows who the real goat is too…and that’s all that Larry needs to know.❤️🏀🍀#33🐐

[@irishgrl]

@@irissanders7487 Larry was being generous after winning the game. Your fave is an overhyped diva gloryhound ball hog.

[@russiancardboardarmor5976]

@@MuddyPoppins umm Larry actually said it MJ was god in a interview and others said he said it... it’s not true now but he did say it

[@MuddyPoppins]

@@russiancardboardarmor5976 lol..that’s just Larry playing humble mind games…MJ knows that Bird is the goat.

[@urbanchangewithin624]

Jordan is the #1 NBA player of all time, yes. Kareem is the greatest overall basketball player of all time, yes. Olajuwan is my favorite. Yet if you say Bird is the greatest NBA player ever, I wouldn’t argue.

[@tavareslowery8643]

Wow the management TORE up the contract and offered 25 million, in 79, 80 season AFTER ONE chip...thats crazy..that much money in,1980...i just wish Jerry krause and reinsdorf did the same with Chicago in 98....we MAYBE wpuld have another chip or CHIPS.,.magic is a gentlemen's gentleman...larry is legend

[@curly8029]

Name one thing that excludes M. Larry Bird from the GOAT debate. I dare you. That’s right folks. The GOAT is a white guy !

[@michaeln.2383]

John Stockton must have given Magic a big headache for 5 games each season.