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

In 2009, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird discussed the anniversary of their national title game matchup in 1979 between Michigan State and Indiana State. The duo also discussed their matchups with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics and the funny story behind Bird's retirement ceremony. They concluded the interview with Magic asking Bird about NBA legends past and present including Michael Jordan, John Stockton, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

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[joshuadesjardins]

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

[ultradbzfan]

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

[cynthiaweathers]

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

[phaze]

Bird and magic, There will never be another.

[kareemabdulmuhammadleroyn]

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

[hammadelestudiante]

I could listen to these two guys talk all day.

[jeffreysherman]

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.

[edge]

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

[jc-]

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

[buddy]

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

[susanbloodgood]

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

[elementsofphysicalreality]

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

[scottcarroll]

You can tell these men genuinely love each other.

[jingqi]

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. 🏀💪

[broaddusmarines]

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

[mariovh]

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

[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.

[mattcorcoran]

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

[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.

[forsaken]

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