Magic Johnson, Larry Bird reminisce about their rivalry in college and the NBA (2009) | ESPN Archive

[@joshuadesjardins8294]

The Magic-Bird rivalry turned friendship is still the best story in NBA history

[@russell2890]

Have you seen their documentary?

[@russell2890]

@@ajv2d you must be new here

[@ajv2d]

@@russell2890 i am was i actually wrong 😭😭

[@gavinsheridan4680]

Possibly sports history, no? Any other player rivalries come close? Williams-DiMaggio, Gretzky-Lemieux ? Bird & Magic wear the crown, I think.

[@graysonhoward1562]

@@gavinsheridan4680 Brady vs Manning was a pretty good one.

[@ultradbzfan5255]

I love how Bird calls him Earvin. I imagine only family & close friends call him that

[@bigblock67camaro]

They are family!!❤️

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

I wonder if he'd do that in a different scenario, or it's due to the professional setting. Maybe at the bewby bar he'd yell across the room "HEY MAGIC, LOAN ME A HUNDRED BUCKS"

[@eihtballjnky]

@@user-qt5eh9wb7g bro bird has so much money that makes zero cents

[@frasiec]

He loves Earvin but hates Magic

[@irishgrl]

@@frasiec I agree with that. He’s said pretty much the same thing.

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

Two of the greatest players, ever. They are being too modest. They saved basketball. Thanks for the memories.

[@kenfix2740]

Most dont know that b4 birdmagic the NBA finals were tape delayed on late night tv. They Literally Saved the NBA

[@MusicManSeanB]

@@kenfix2740 big facts. I remember watching late Friday nights on CBS Lakers vs Seattle, and it would say in the top right of the TV screen the game was tape delay. News sportscasters refused to reveal the final score of the game since it was going to air afterwards.

[@kaboo2009]

Smush Parker saved Basketball

[@winthorpetrois]

Part of being awesome is not having to tell everyone all the time that you are.

[@michaelhunziker7287]

@@kaboo2009 Granville Waiters saved the league

[@phaze29]

Bird and magic, There will never be another.

[@cesarcanete3402]

These two saved the NBA. If it wasn't for these two, MJ, the late great Kobe Bryant & LeBron's futures would've been completely different.

[@phaze29]

@@cesarcanete3402 absolutely. If u watch the courtship rivalry, the very end brian gumbel says,"one of my biggest petpeeves is when people say jordan saved the nba,BULLSHIT,magic &Larry saved the nba!"🙏🙏

[@cesarcanete3402]

@@phaze29 I was just watching that the other day. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@phaze29]

@@cesarcanete3402 its amazing. Like I said there will never be another in basketball.i said in football its brady&manning hands down

[@erics2739]

Like iron bowl

[@kareemabdulmuhammadleroyn1687]

It’s insane how humble bird is lol every question magic asks Larry will respond by downgrading himself somehow. Now on the court bird was just a savage but off the court he’s the most humble basketball player ever

[@oscarfairley6600]

In his senior year of college, while his team was undefeated , and as they move closer to the NCAA tournament, Bird did not speak to the press. In the tournament he didn't have a choice. College Basketball Player of the Year , and so many had no idea what he even sound like.

[@hammadelestudiante4747]

I could listen to these two guys talk all day.

[@timhoward5]

I would also love to listen to your mom

[@lrhlrh5570]

@@timhoward5 that's so 2016

[@lrhlrh5570]

@@timhoward5 and that's stuff that 7 year olds that play fortnite would say, grow up and act your age.

[@knickstapeee2753]

@@timhoward5 timmy the virgin

[@timhoward5]

@@lrhlrh5570 Oh you play with them...

[@jeffreysherman2358]

MAGIC & BIRD ARE BROTHERS ! I FEEL THE LOVE BETWEEN THEM !! AMERICA CAN LEARN FROM THEIR RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER , BIRDS MOM SAID / I LOVE MAGIC.

[@timhoward5]

Larry said he loves Ervin

[@Lonewolfmike]

That is one of the greatest things erver that helped the friendship between Magic and Bird. Magic felt comfortable after Larry's mom gaver him that hug. That made so much difference to help make Magic relax so much. When Magic said she made him feel like his own mother felt that says so much.

[@edge224]

Kobe was Bird's favorite player. a champion knows how to recognize his fellow man.

[@jc-1403]

Larry is such a comedic guy. He’s the type of guy who will make everyone laugh out of nowhere, specially in a very serious moment

[@adamr6794]

after Red Auerbach laments that He hasn't scored a point and Bill Russell says "yeah but you got all the guys together that scored the points" and Bird says "so you're overpaid" and Russell and Red almost fall over laughing. Who else on this earth could get away with saying that to Red...in front of Russ.

[@jareknazwisko7752]

Tatars fall IQ

[@newerafrican]

Watch his introduction of Magic into the HOF or the interview he and Magic did with Letterman. He has great comedic timing - just like his bball timing!

[@nanook8721]

What we always called a dry sense of humor. It comes when you least expect it!

[@andybilakshow260]

@@adamr6794 Just goes to show, Larry owned the league back then.

[@susanbloodgood3572]

The Jedi Masters of Basketball Neither one could jump high or run as fast but We’re always ahead of everyone else

[@M1GarandPing]

💯💯💯

[@Nico-yn1vg]

Their minds were on another level when it came to the game.

[@elementsofphysicalreality]

Magic is such an intelligent well spoken individual. His awareness is next level. Just look at how well he articulates himself.

According to who?

[@SueProv]

He does well enough for me. So it's a matter of opinion. Love both Bird and Magic.

[@buddy8068]

With these two wonderful men, together, they could mend a thousand race relation problems.

[@mintedskystudios6526]

well said

[@petermello55]

2024 ticket?

[@bradleyburton2664]

Yeah but the media won't allow it to happen. Conquer and divide is their agenda. Nice thought tho.

[@mikes3827]

@@bradleyburton2664 BINGO! Specifically, the liberal media doesn't want it to happen, because that's among their "bread & butter " 24/7 go-to: RACE-BAITING.

[@justinallen1092]

@@mikes3827 you're 100% wrong and BOTH these guys support the Black Lives Matter movement

[@mariovh]

2 of the most complete players in the history of the nba !

[@jrsmith1998]

Sort of. But they weren’t grease defenders. But ok. And Magic couldn’t really shoot the 3 ball.

[@mrmojorisin8527]

@@jrsmith1998 Larry Bird was an outstanding defender.

[@russell2890]

@@mrmojorisin8527 larry was a sneaky defender. great team defender but not a lockdown defender.

[@mrmojorisin8527]

@@russell2890 True, but I would still consider him a top 5 most compete player ever.

[@russell2890]

@@mrmojorisin8527 Larry is the man, no doubt.

[@MrMixItup]

These two guys are simply the cornerstones of the NBA as we know it today. So many great players, so many great teams but there was only one Magic vs. Bird matchup. Their match ups will continue to be played as long as the NBA exists. Great job fellas! Way to build the league and pass it along.

[@CooManTunes]

Nowadays, you can't become an NBA player, without first kneeling for choked out criminals.

[@NickRebornLive]

2 Legends 🐐

[@broaddusmarines]

It’s like this every time Larry and Magic are together. You can tell that Magic is in awe of Bird.

[@BoogieBoyMetalMouth]

Yeah it’s really cool to see... because magic doesn’t have to be in awe of anyone. He’s always been like that towards Larry and it’s just awesome! Larry loves him too hahah

[@tjofwakanda8027]

Larry like that with him also

[@hammer23ist]

You would be crazy to think...Magic didn't think he was better than Bird....And of course Bird felt he was better than him too....Neither one was in awe of the other ..Both had respect for each other.

[@StevenAllotey]

That's the deep respect between two top competitors

[@dutchmandave6605]

​@@tjofwakanda8027truth

[@mitchjohnson9240]

These two guys saved the NBA and shared one of the best rivalries ever! They compliment each other perfectly. Each made the other better. It’s cool how they love and respect each other.

[@scottcarroll9201]

You can tell these men genuinely love each other.

[@Shemzinho]

Love how Larry gave props to Kobe

[@timhoward5]

I love when they mentioned Wade

[@dutchmandave6605]

Greatness recognizes Greatness!

[@dacryptkeeper6836]

After all these years, I still love the Celtics in the East and the Lakers in the West, because of these two men! It is the rivalry that literally saved the NBA from being on the brink of bankruptcy.

[@newerafrican]

6:50 Looks like those two were real close to hugging or grabbing each other, as buddies. They were really having a good time! Larry seems very guarded but he loosens up with Magic, Quinn Buckner and Kevin McHale in 3 interviews that I have seen. These are real men, good dudes.

[@forsaken7976]

That smile when he says Kobe is his favorite. 💜💛

[@jingqi9106]

Bird and Magic may be the two greatest TEAM players ever in a team sport. Bird was able to elevate a team, Indiana State, that had no other future NBA players to a 33-0 record heading into the NCAA finals. Magic took a team, MSU, to the finals with two other pros in Jay Vincent and Greg Kelser and got the win. Magic was the ultimate point guard and Bird was the ultimate forward, they were both so great and fun to watch. 🏀💪

[@mrho4speed]

Jing, Ron Charles was also on that MSU team and he was drafted to the Chicago Bulls in 1980, so that would be 3 players other than Magic that saw an NBA roster from the MSU team - wow!

[@walkdownjr4995]

@@mrho4speed he said bird had no future players

[@nathanc30]

​@@walkdownjr4995Kent Benson on ISU,but he wasn't a significant talent.

[@jakebogner8363]

​@@nathanc30 Benson went to IU

[@rudymontana4515]

You forgot Carl Nicks

[@user-wv4xc1us6u]

I wasn’t that into basketball. But this era, this rivalry sealed it for me. Great players on the court.Humble, gracious gentlemen in retirement.Thanks Larry and Magic from New Zealand.

[@CooManTunes]

"I wasn’t that into basketball." You weren't? I was, until they started to kneel for choked out criminals.

[@frankszablewskifromsableir1077]

Those are some beautiful words that epitomized your respect. Thanks, for that ! ! !

[@domarchie9558]

Larry Legend and Magic Johnson Magic Johnson and Larry Legend. How good. Absolute superstars. Their rivalry made the sport in their era.

[@mintedskystudios6526]

Love Bird and Magic, the mutual respect between them warms my heart

[@stevebanks1640]

Two of the top 5 all time greats! No debate, argument, discussion needed.

[@ooppoolooloo1980]

Neither of them are top 5

[@broaddusmarines]

@@ooppoolooloo1980 stop talking.

[@Mrd9960]

@@ooppoolooloo1980 Wow, what world are you from? Lol🤣🤣🤣

[@ooppoolooloo1980]

@@broaddusmarines The Top 5 players of all time are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell.

[@ooppoolooloo1980]

@@Mrd9960 The Top 5 players of all time are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell.

[@mattcorcoran7082]

Larry and Ervin. A couple of Midwest boys rapping about sports.

[@akoskovacs6830]

Heard Magic Johnsson for the first time. With his patient, slower pace of talking and with his deep voice I could easily imagine him in some movies doing Morgan Freeman level dubbing. There is some charisma right there.

[@biggigi3351]

I love the respect he gives to Red Aubarch. Greatest basketball presence ever

[@kitseofsuburbia3911]

WE NEED A BIRD X MAGIC PODCAST The conversation would be so good

[@parmanduke]

Best era ever in the NBA. The rivalry was so INTENSE. So cool how 2 rivals of the highest level became great friends.

[@Jbf-76]

Best there ever was. Both of them. I'm a die hard Celtics fan but I don't rank one over the other. They are 1a, and 1a.. They belong together. In my mind they are top5-6 players ever, and There will never be another experience like Magic against Bird. Legends in every sense of the word.

[@chrisb8655]

This is so well stated. I loved that rivalry when I was growing up in the 80s.

[@AngelGomez-ki4xg]

Same here...I'm a die hard Celtics fan and Bird was my favorite.but it's impossible not to like & respect Magic..People say that if they ever change the Jerry West logo that it should be Jordan....I say it should be Bird & Magic.....they changed the game.

[@josephperez4602]

Newton's Law of Motion: "For every action there is an opposite but equal reaction." Magic = Bird Bird = Magic 🏀🏀🏀💯

[@defoegrinda]

as a Laker fan, I couldn't agree more, as time passes, I respect and admire all those great Celtic players, that I used to hate as a kid, it's crazy to realize now, that I got to watch and enjoy one of the greatest eras of basketball, much respect to those Celtic greats, they were some of the best ever step on the court

[@jadentrez]

This is a truly remarkable interview. Imagine if it was 1984, and Magic was trying to say, "Larry, can you take us through your thought process as we play against each other in the Finals?" Bird would have just looked at Magic in stony silence. ("I didn't want to be friends with him. I was trying to beat him!") So this is an important document in their evolution not just as players, but as people. Both Larry and Magic seem to have learned that there is life beyond the basketball court.

[@bruno5760]

The greatest era of the NBA. I'm glad I'm 45 and was young in the 80s but watched larry and magic. And then Jordan came along and took it to another level

[@robertilardi6290]

These two set an example for everyone by never mentioning race. The media always did but they handled everything professionally. Their friendship is an inspiration for everyone to be better.

[@frankszablewskifromsableir1077]

Some of you guys are proclaiming some great words. Thanks A LOT REAL CLASSY

[@christopherneyfeldt4587]

These 2 brought basketball back. Thanks y’all.

[@tomsurber2293]

Those two literally saved professional basketball. Incredible!

[@jaynukem1929]

I wish I could go back in time and witness these guys live in their Prime. It looked to be the most exciting period of the sport.

[@Mooseman327]

You have to love these two men when you watched them play against each other for so many years and you see how much they really love each other.

[@mega00760]

never be another one like it, hate,respect and in the end love for each other

[@barrydraper]

Wow! Two GOATs right there. Theirs was an incredible story. These two literally saved the NBA throughout the 80s! And their mega-rivalry turned into mutual respect and eventually BFFs. Playing on the All Star Teams together and making the Converse Commercial at Bird's mother's house in French Lick, IN sealed their friendship...

[@garygreen9115]

Magic is such a sweet man and his love for Larry is so obvious. Look up the youtube video on Magic's HOF induction speech as he had Larry there with him front and center. A great competition and friendship that made both of them better. Larry's love for Magic is also there and all one has to do is remember that Larry immediately flew out to LA to be with Magic during his AIDS diagnosis and public announcement.

[@ziggybammurphy1645]

Growing up as a kid in MA, in this era (80’s and early 90’’s) ,there was nothing like going to the Boston Garden to watch Bird play....epic.

[@edcor2578]

My two favourite players... With those two you can pick any other 3 and you will have a championship team from day one...

[@joefriedman9843]

Without question. You might be able to throw 3 non nba guys in there and they'd still be good enough to carry them to a championship haha

[@MrPek-fe9fp]

My favorite PG and SF

[@KazenoniKakuremi]

7:47 80s-90s depth unmatched

[@hughjass1724]

Love you magic and bird

[@martyyoung1541]

Love it when such fierce competitors become such fierce friends.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

11 years later and still no rivalries like the 80's and 90's.

[@sixfiftychris]

Curry vs LeBron from 2015-2022

[@BelievedHim99]

Being a die hard laker fan for years much respect to u Larry and thank u for the rivalry memories 👍👊👍👊👍

[@richardrojas6306]

Other than Elgin Baylor and Jerry West being almost brothers when they played, Magic and Bird are simply the best ever in showing all of us that we can be different in lots of things, but when we bond we become powerful individuals. Thank You Gentlemen! It was an Honor to see both of you play in the NBA and then the Olympics. 🇺🇸 🏀

[@battleofhastings7586]

The energy from these two is pure joy.

[@Lucas20520]

This should be titled "Magic Johnson interviews Larry Bird"

[@MetrohMan]

If I were to build a dream team... these 2 are my 1 and 2. Such amazing players, made everyone better and were just the 2 most cohesive teammates ever.

[@donmorton4597]

The Legend and Magic. An older interview, but could watch this conversation go on all day.

[@micjam1986]

I'm from the Boston area and went to school in L.A... i still love magic and his sense of humor. God bless both of these champions.

[@jonpage4029]

These are two of the greatest players but also People who ever played the game. Love it. Thanks for the memories

[@christianbeevers4937]

i love these two guys, totally made it worth watching pro basketball and still watch to this day because of them.

[@Texasdex84]

I just love Larry’s energy

[@daniel.j9062]

Two living Legends and the most talented pro basketball players of their time.

[@jonnylawrence3818]

The two best I've ever seen

[@deputy3690]

To me, the best decade in the NBA.

[@naniem3704]

LOVE BOTH LARRY AND MAGIC!!! -

[@keithhicks3006]

Best Forward and PG ever.....goats

[@StephonMaple]

Larry is the second greatest SF and magic is the goat PG

[@robg3605]

@@StephonMaple if counting bron as a small forward then u either have to put magic as small forward or put lebron at PG because they have almost identical play styles

[@timhoward5]

PERIOD

[@UpChuckTheBoogie]

@@StephonMaple Larry was a better player than LeBron

[@StephonMaple]

@@UpChuckTheBoogie Lebron has more points assist rebounds rings MVPs and fmvps wym

[@red5llaw]

Lightning in a Bottle...Bird v Johnson. Wow!!

[@happyfreeliferc]

great video.i smiled and laughed right along with Magic and Larry.

[@robertthomas4545]

Larry and magic brought the NBA to new hights .great players

[@anthonywilliams7110]

Bird and Magic saved the NBA.....2 of the all time greats!

[@naterewing]

Magic is a great interviewer and you can feel the chemistry between these two legends.

[@TheAvargas687]

Two of the best to ever play the game hands down ,I was privileged to watch both play in the NBA , legends of the court

[@ninerscountry7885]

Glad to hear bird say Kobe is my favorite yesss!! Kobe !kobe !

[@Therealgordongekko]

This rivalry saved the NBA! Without it I don't think it would've survived. Two of the greatest men ever to play the game and two of the greatest men ever no matter what

[@VIKING33NY]

Love Bird!!!! If I could ever meet just one guy. Bird, much respect!!

[@joefeldpausch]

We all have our eras. This is mine. Your era is the best era ever.

[@pianoman9421]

All class, these two. So glad we still have Magic with us and always great to see them together. Their personalities mesh so well, and Magic's the eternal point guard--even his questions to Bird are like well-practiced, precise assists for Bird the forward to lay in.

[@MegaBronsky1]

Those 2 love each other truly...

[@musicalmelodies3595]

6:50 man they're just two kids having fun 😭😭😭🥰

[@BaltimoreMaryland]

As much as I enjoy the game today, the years of having several franchise superstars on multiple teams, and rivalries that had ping pong wins back and forth were great. The ability to watch those old games with the push of a button now and then is awesome.

[@ΒΞΔΝ]

RIP DJ An all time pg, and maybe most underrated player ever being in the shadow of the 80's big 3.

[@timlinj]

INDEED. Give me Larry and DJ and three guys off the playground. YUP.

[@handsomeX]

Facts. One of the toughest guards in nba history.

[@73Trident]

I enjoy it when these two get together they have a lot of fun.

[@DanielMoreno-jj1gi]

Absolutely Priceless interview between two of the greatest players in NBA history

[@KyleCollins419]

Bird was a bad bad man that dude was a straight beast and would tell you what he was going to do and would do it. That's legendary 🙌

[@mightymikeamps9317]

Fierce Rivals turned brothers. I saw an interview when Magic (fighting back tears) talked about how when the chips are down you find out who your real friends are. Larry was the first to call Magic after he announced he had HIV, had to retire, and at that time was considered a death sentence. 33 years later, and Magic is still alive and well!

[@maryhallisey4775]

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Larry Bird, and many other athletes when I was employed at Converse Inc., with General Counsel to coordinate contracts for so many great athletes, and all those athletes which I met, were the greatest examples of our country's heroes!!

[@tbd1613]

Grew up in LA. Laker fan since 1980. Great games vs. Boston. Feared Bird. Just awesome basketball. Great times.

[@diahicks9071]

Love Bird and Magic.

[@chrismattravers5434]

Larry was quiet and shy as a young man! When you hear him talk, you realise how bright he is and how much he knows the sport!

[@j.r.4769]

The 14 people that gave this a thumbs down were definitely born after 2000. I could listen to these legends talk for hours.

[@y2jtopgun]

I still remember when Kevin Johnson was a thorn on Magic’s side. The 80’s and 90’s had some fantastic players and games!

[@huckleberryharrison6248]

Seeing these two knock hands before doing battle is still one of my favorite sports moments ever.

[@tuat.mvpformallybigd.2635]

That was the best games ever. Basketball was so much fun to watch then.

[@scott.moresh7]

What blows my mind is this. Larry Bird is the best pure team basketball player I've ever seen, but clearly didn't have the athleticism of many of his peers. If Len Bias doesn't die and joins the team that only lost 1 home game in 50+ games in 1986, the Celtics would probably have won 3 to 5 more titles. That said, Larry always gives so much respect to his peers and the present game. Here he is in 2009 saying Lebron is closing in on being the greatest SF ever. I mean in his prime Bird was a savage yet he has no hesitation saying how Kobe Bryant is his favorite current player? On the other hand I look LeBron and it's me me me, whining when he doesn't win the MVP, stacking the best big man in the NBA (A.Davis) on his squad and acting like he's immediately the GOAT lol. I don't know I guess I just love how Magic and Bird saved the NBA yet are humble enough to know their time has passed. Same with Kareem. I don't know if older age does that to a person of people are just raised differently today. I'm only 45 so I'm not giving judgment or when I was your age speeches. James Harden will shoot 25% from 3pters with 6 turnovers and compete for the MVP and than not show up to training camp. And people say he's the GOAT or ''epic''?It's just a different era I guess.

[@nanka2002]

ok, sorry for stating the obvious but Magic has the best smile ever! and Larry, I love you too.

[@joeyclemenza7339]

the titans of the 80's... one of the greatest (if not the greatest) bromances in sports history.

[@demonreactsbyjune7012]

My Rivalry with Skip Bayless is better.

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

LOL where do you get this humor?!

[@davebanks6439]

The REAL Chosen One shannon the biggest bronsexual

[@136er9]

You are wrong about that and here is why

[@areyoufeelingitnowmrkrabs8805]

@@davebanks6439 ok bronophobic

[@siippinfaygo7638]

@Shariff ur dumb skip bayless ain’t a bronsexual

[@esecamanalli]

I'll say this about Bird growing up Huge Lakers fan about 3 miles away from the fourm and born in Daniel Freeman hospital across the street from the fourm.....I hated Larry Bird but when it was all over and he was coming to an end and ready to retire....I felt so much Respect and admiration for him it was great Larry you pushed the Lakers to the edge and there was no one better to go against...As for magic hes the greatest next to kobe i can't say enough about magic and the love I have for him

[@joefriedman9843]

This is fantastic. 2 of the greatest players ever and literal saviors of the NBA. I'd watch hours of this.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

NBA Action is Fantastic!!!

[@hailebenjamin5355]

One love power and blessings always 🌟 champions!!!!

[@TheKay500]

Larry And Magic laid the foundation for the current NBA. Their rivalry was stuff of legends.

[@bkboy2384]

The friendship and comradery made the nba today what it is.....showtime and the Celtics east vs west.....unbelievable basketball

[@robertthomas2544]

Two great great players