“I think Magic’s probably as sick and tired of all this as I am” – Larry Bird once reflected on his rivalry with Magic Johnson long before it began

Rivalries in the NBA are not a new thing. And the rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson is now inseparable from NBA history. It defined an era and gave basketball some of its most unforgettable moments. Both Bird and Johnson entered the league carrying expectations shaped by a college showdown that helped them catch national attention. Their different personalities, playing styles, and teams made them perfect opposites in the eyes of fans.

The basketball world first saw Larry Bird and Magic Johnson face each other in college in 1979. Bird played for Indiana State University, while Magic led Michigan State University. That particular game set the stage for a story that the NBA would later make famous. When they both joined the NBA, people immediately started comparing them. Bird went to the Boston Celtics, a team that wanted to get back to the top, while Johnson joined the Los Angeles Lakers, which was already built to win. And fans loved seeing it.

Larry Bird calls early Magic Johnson rivalry “sad”

Larry Bird was honest about how he felt regarding the so-called rivalry. He thought it was unfair to focus on him and Magic when other players, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dave Cowens, were also stars.

“This matchup is pretty sad when you have to build up two guys who don’t even play the same position, and over Kareem and Dave Cowens, two of the best centers in the league”, Bird said.

Larry Bird felt the attention was too early and distracted him from the team. He thought the rivalry was mostly created by the media, not real competition.

“I think Magic’s probably as sick and tired of all this as I am,” Bird added.

At that time, Bird didn’t see Johnson as a true rival, just another great player starting his NBA career.

How Larry Bird and Magic Johnson turned rivalry into an NBA era-defining clash?

What Larry Bird didn’t know was that, over time, things would change. As both players got better, their teams became stronger. Celtics and Lakers games became bigger and thus was the start of a rising tension between the two legends.

In the end, the rivalry Bird once questioned became more than just a story, it became a symbol of an era. It pushed both players to their greatness, gave fans some unforgettable moments, and helped revive the NBA at a time it needed heroes. And to say the least, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson didn’t just compete, they inspired a generation.


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