When it comes to basketball legends, there are few names more iconic than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The two players dominated the sport in the 1980s and their rivalry is considered one of the greatest of all time. But despite their on-court rivalry, Bird and Johnson have always been friends.
In fact, they even roomed together during the 1984 Olympic Games. So, are Larry Bird and Magic Johnson still friends? The answer is yes! The two men have remained close over the years and often appear at events together. They even co-authored a book called When the Game Was Ours in 2009.
It’s been nearly four decades since Larry Bird and Magic Johnson first faced off as rivals in the NBA Finals. But despite their long history, the two men remain close friends. In fact, they recently reunited to film a commercial for Nike’s new “Noah” sneaker.
In the ad, the two stars reminisce about their iconic battles on the court while playing a game of H-O-R-S-E. Although they may no longer be competing against each other on the basketball court, it’s clear that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson still have a lot of respect for each other. And that’s what true friendship is all about.
Was Larry Bird Friends With Magic Johnson?
No, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were not friends. They were rivals on the court during their playing days, but they had a mutual respect for each other. After their playing careers ended, they became friends and business partners.
Are Magic And Bird Friends Now?
No, Magic and Bird are not friends now. They have not been seen together since their infamous on-court rivalry in the 1980s. However, they have recently been in contact with each other through letters.
In one of these letters, Bird even told Magic that he admired him as a player and wished him well in his battle with cancer.
How Did Larry Bird Feel About Magic Johnson?
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are two of the greatest basketball players of all time. They were fierce rivals on the court, but they also had a great deal of respect for each other. Bird once said, “I think the world of Magic Johnson. He’s a great player, a great person. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Johnson was similarly complimentary of Bird, saying, “Larry Bird is one of the best players ever to play the game. He could do everything on the court. He was a true champion.” The two men remained friends after their playing days were over, and they even worked together on an commercial in 1992.
Who was Better Magic Johnson Or Larry Bird?
There’s no easy answer to the question of who was better between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They were both incredible players who had a tremendous impact on the game of basketball. Here’s a look at some of the key factors that could be considered in trying to determine who was the better player.
First, let’s look at their individual accomplishments. Johnson was a 3-time NBA MVP and a 9-time NBA All-Star. He also won 5 NBA championships, as well as an Olympic gold medal.
Bird, on the other hand, was a 2-time NBA MVP and a 3-time NBA champion. He was also named to the NBA All-Star team 12 times. When it comes to individual awards, Johnson clearly has the edge over Bird.
But it’s worth noting that many of those awards came during Johnson’s time with the “Showtime” Lakers teams that were loaded with talent, while Bird had to carry much more of the load for his Celtics teams. Another factor to consider is their impact on their respective franchises. Magic completely transformed the Lakers franchise, leading them to new levels of success both on and off the court.
The Lakers became must-see TV thanks in large part to Johnson’s playmaking ability and larger-than-life personality. And underJohnson’s leadership,the Lakers developed into oneofthe most successful sports franchisesin history. Bird, meanwhile, helped turn around a struggling Celtics franchise.
Magic And Bird: A Rivalry Gives Way To Friendship
Larry Bird Vs Magic Johnson Head-To-Head Record
In the history of the NBA, there have only been two players who can truly be considered legends: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Each player dominated the game in their own way, and their individual rivalry is often seen as one of the greatest in sports. While their teams never met in the Finals, they did face off against each other numerous times during the regular season.
In head-to-head matchups, it was always a close battle, with neither player clearly having an advantage. In fact, when looking at their overall record, it’s nearly impossible to tell who came out on top. Total,Bird and Johnson played each other 27 times during the regular season.
Of those 27 games, Bird’s Celtics won 14 while Magic’s Lakers won 13. So while it’s technically a tie, you could argue that Bird had a slight edge since he won more games overall. However, when looking at specific statistics from those 27 games, it’s clear that Magic had the upper hand.
He averaged 22 points per game to Bird’s 20.5, and also had more assists and rebounds than his rival. So although they both have an equal number of wins against each other head-to-head, statistically speaking ,Magic comes out on top . This close rivalry continued into their post-playing careers; both men were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 (their first year of eligibility)and had their jersey numbers retired by their respective teams.
They will forever be linked together as two of basketballs all-time greats .
Conclusion
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have been close friends ever since they entered the NBA as rookies. The two legendary basketball players first met in 1979, when they competed against each other in the NCAA Championship. Although they were rivals on the court, they quickly found a bond off the court and have remained close friends ever since. Over the years, they have supported each other in their respective careers, and were even teammates in the 1992 Dream Team. They continue to stay in touch, and are often seen together at NBA games and other public events. Their friendship is a testament to the power of sportsmanship and camaraderie.