You look at these 2 men Larry & Magic, you don't see a rivalry or color. Instead you see to real friends with a great amount of respect for each other. God we need more of this in the world today. Thank you Magic & thank you Larry legend.
2:40 My favorite part. When Larry's mom gives Magic a "son" hug, that speaks volumes about what kind of family values they had. And she raised their family after Larry's dad died. Classy woman, Mrs. Bird.
It's almost like they practiced this conversation. Their responses are golden and the amount of respect for each other as men and human beings is amazing.
@@bmd1825 Right? When you get past the color of one's skin, you can learn a lot about their character. These two are self-confident enough to NOT buy into the racial thing and judge people by their actions and character instead. I try to do that every day.
I am a die hard Lakers fan, and the greatest compliment I can pay Larry is that I hated his guts when he played, because I know how good he was. I have nothing but respect for him.
Yep. That was what I called in my 20s hate...it was not until my 40s I reflected back and said "Bird was Baddass (Celtic team basketball too)"...and Thank You - You Tube. Larry brought the Shit (Best).
Google should ban spam accounts like this one above. No one here is interested in crap sports like soccer (I'm Spanish and know what I'm talking about). That's why we love classic NBA games.
The true test of their relationship was when Magic convinced Larry to play on the Olympic team, letting him know that he wanted to share that experience with him. Larry’s back was a major issue but Magic told him do it for me and I’ll take care of you meaning he only played when necessary and Magic made sure Larry was on the team. He did it out of respect and love for Larry
Yeah, also be banned Isiah Thomas from that team, because he hated him, until a few years ago that they reconciled on TV, and Isaiah Thomas cried all over it.
I agree totally always said those two were the two who brought the NBA back to life. I don't care what anybody say the best basketball era of all-time way better than this garbage that we watch today.
I have always love Larry's ' dry humor ' since he's retired and open up the funny side of him...His delivery and timing is great, especially if you don't know it's coming..He would sound like he's serious then he'd throw in a funny liners here and there.. And Magic seems the same...Magic always have a sunny disposition about him, and I love how he tells or share stories...So fun to listen to them both..Two great legends that have become fast friends..Btw, I have watched them since their days in college..
Obvious lie because of what Larry said about beating the Lakers, Larry was mad for the rest of the interview because Magic wouldn't tolerate the same thing from him
@@hugh1297 I believe Georgia Bird could said that, but as a courtesy statement. Magic was among her favorite players, but actually #1 and #2 were Isiah Thomas and... believe it or not... Bill Laimbeer (!).
@M Clearly, you don't get out often. But for a basketball interview, your post shows an incredible fear that what you're saying isn't true at all. For why bother to make such a post if its as true as you say. For sure, soccer is in the decline the world over and for many good reasons starting with the organizing body, FIFA, which is all about getting a nice payoff from whichever country holds the next world cup. I mean, who holds the cup in Qatar in the middle of Summer? That's the beginning of the end.
@@degbry when two people are tied together as Magic and Bird are for everything they did for the NBA that's what makes them the GOATS and Jordan do nearly as much shitt for the NBA as they did
Yes, and unfortunately, you don't see that anymore. Now, instead of competing, they just join each other on a "super team". It really is a reflection on our society. It's no longer about individuality, all that matters now is "rings". Championships were a byproduct of competition, now they are the only measure of a team, of players, and of fans. You're not great unless you have a ring. Sorry Dan Marino, Trent Dilfer is the better QB. Sorry Charles Barkley, your career was a failure.
Dave is as good an interviewer as I remember. Well read, gracious, provocatively humorous and warm. He really made them drop their guard. Young people ,understandably, have a hard time understanding how much impact Johnson and Bird had on the game and pro sports as a whole. Their level of determination, unselfish play, and competitiveness brought great things to all involved.
Magic is my all time favorite player. I used to hate Larry because he was so damn good. (Maybe even better than Magic) When Magic showed nothing but respect for Larry, I couldn't hate the guy anymore and I started to appreciate his greatness. Magic is still my all time favorite BUT I think Larry is the greatest of all time.
It's almost like they practiced this conversation. Their responses are golden and the amount of respect for each other as men and human beings is amazing.
I think it's an indicator of the nature of their relationship. There's no bullshit. Whatever they say can be said without fear of contradicting something in the past because of the honesty between them.
As a born LA Laker fan, I used to take Magic and the team for granted. But years later I watched some highlights of Magic, and realized just how much 'magic' there was in his talent. As for Bird, ever since I was a kid there was something important about a Lakers/Celtics game. Maybe because the Celts were always a threat. So same for Bird....I admit I was in serious denial of his talent for years.
GREAT INTERVIEW 😉😃😁😎 I enjoyed hearing Magic & Bird talking FRANKLY and COMPLIMENTARY about each other and to know they are GOOD FRIENDS and do things TOGETHER. 😄😃😎😁
I lived just a bit outside of Boston all through the 80's and got to see these guys play live. It was amazing basketball and I think it was a special time that won't ever be repeated. What makes it so great was yeah, you have MJ, Kobe, Lebron or whoever but none of them had what these two guys had, the rivalry. Whether you were a Magic fan or a Larry fan, you had the other as your nemesis. Like Magic said, the thorn in each other's side. They truly did resurrect basketball and saved a dying sport.
Your last sentence is SO TRUE. People who grew up watching Kobe, LeBron, etc. have no idea. Without Magic and Bird, Jordan would not have had the success he did. As great as Magic and Bird were individually, it was the RIVALRY - and what a rivalry - that saved the NBA.
You used the perfect word: Megastar. Larry is my favorite player ever. And Magic is my all-time 'hated him, respected him' player. He's the only player in any sport that made me, literally, cry. When he hit that swooping hook shot coming across the lane to ice the Finals against the Celtics, I freeking just broke down and cried. That was no gut-punch, it was soul shattering.
What was funny to me was when 'Magic' SAID that Larry's Mom told him that 'Magic' was her favorite player-!!! LoL. Then, Larry talked about how they got cheated in the Playoffs-!!! LMAO-!!!!!!! Ya know, people talked about how Larry would 'talk trash' on the Court (sometimes), But- he could DEFINITELY 'Back it up' and being as PHENOMINAL as he was during his 'Hey-Day'; I think he is a very modest and humble person... Larry, will ALWAYS be my favorite Basketball Player of ALL TIMES-!!! J/S 🙂😁👍✌
I grew up in Terre Haute when Bird was at ISU. I was a big fan of his. My mother did some alterations on clothes that he bought at the store where she worked. When he went to the NBA everyone in Haute became Celtic fans. Being an obstinate teenager I started rooting for Magic and the Lakers just to be different than everyone around me. When I got into my 20's I just started appreciating the great basketball that both of them played. Man, what a great time to be a hoops fan. Especially in Indiana. IU was rolling in college. NBA you had Bird, Magic, then Hakeem, Jordan, Isiah came along... awesome memories. Wish I could go back and experience it all again. Damn, I miss my teens and twenties!
What an evolution of 2 HOF friendships.From rivalries growing up on the court to 2 guys who really care about one another. A perfect match and exactly what the NBA needed.
You are saying Magic can't shoot as great as Bird? If you really new anything about the two, their shooting stats were about the same. There is no way in hell Bird could guard Magic. Wouldn't be able to stop him not once. Magic chose not to take to many shots because, he had a better offensive team. Bird had to do a lot more because, he had lesser offense than Lakers. Best center of all times and the best point guard of all times, Celtics got lucky to win 3 titles. Should have only been two. Lakers beat themselves and it really looked liked the Lakers lost that game on purpose. Since when did Magic start fumbling a basketball? It was rigged. The following year the Lakers beat the Celtics easily in 5 games. What changed? That time it wasn't rigged. The Celtics were great. But if anyone thinks they were as good as the Lakers, you're crazy. They had no answer for Magic, Kareem or Worthy. Magic is the greatest player ever and not Jordan. Every expert knows it.
Twol of the Greats .. NBA personified in exciting playmaking..Never met Larry up close,Magic Johnson I had the extreme pleasure of not only meeting him but conversercing with him. I've been a Boston Celtic fan since Bob Cousy and Bill Russell joined the Celtics..To this day I yet be..Kind of like the Denver Nuggets,being from the Mile High City I go along with Avalanche(hockey) ,Denver Broncos,Denver Rockies baseball team.Living not far from the city of Los Angeles..kind of rough..Yeah!!
What is less widely known was that Portland had beaten the Celtics in the Boston Garden in their last meeting. The left-handed stunt was so he wouldn't have to answer questions regarding their only home loss at that point in the season and to show the Blazers he still considered his team to be the better of the two.
I am so thankful I lived to see these tremendous men play. I lived in Boston and watched in awe at Larry at the old Garden even when he could barely walk. Can't imagine how it would have been for him if he wasn't injured.....
Thank you for posting this interview. I think it was Lettermen's best interview ever. Of course I am biased as Bird and Magic are my favorite players because of their team first approach to the game. Love the respect for each other, just great chemistry and it comes from the heart.
Larry, Thanks for all of those Funny stories but more importantly listening to those interviews on your opponents speak so highly of You. You are The Best ever & I Love You. Thanks for The Memories. What a Guy.
The league could go on a thousand more years, and I can guarantee that there will never, never ever be a rivalry/friendship like the one between these two.
Lance LaBauve.... it’s not the same, because these two started in college.... in the ncaa finals.... both the same age coming in together. Co-rookies of the year. It was a perfect storm of greatness! They got the league popular... a few years later Jordan took over and took it to outer space in popularity. The 80’s especially had SOOO MANY great players! The league got really competitive!
you think these two guys cared about the color of the other one's skin? they look at the heart of man...when magic was told about his HIV virus...it broke bird down...but, they are forever friends...and, that is too cool!
That's subjective..... look at where the NBA was in 1976..... then look what Julius Erving did to revitalize the Association when he entered. Bird and Magic were great for the game because of their rivalry and who they played for....but DOC single handedly saved the NBA when it was at an all time low for TV ratings and attendance when he went from the Nets in the ABA, to the 76ers in the NBA.
Being from Brazil living in L A during the 80 `s and no soccer to watch , became a Basketball fanatic . Sure pick The Lakers as my team , often went to see them at The Forum . Magic , Kareem , N Nixon , Jamaal Wilkens , M Cooper , Worthy great bunch of players . Anyway was fortunate enough to see Lakers playing The Celtics few times , hated Larry because he was so damn good . Now even back than had Bird as one of my favorite player .
"If I had to pick a player to make the shot and win the game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. If I had to pick a player to make the shot and save my life, I'd pick Larry Bird." --- Pat Riley
That and they don't get enough credit for SAVING pro basketball and growing college basketball. The second they got to their teams they made everyone else on the(ir) team better.
💯...He was the biggest shit talker, too, but backed every bit of it up. What kind of monster plays an entire game, with the opposite hand, just bc he wants too!!??? #LarryLegend
Arael4, he FEARED! no one because in his documentary he talked about how he and his brothers would have to fight and I think he said his brothers made him fight and if he didnt win when ge got home.he had problems with his dad. Also, in 6th grade he went to play with older black kids or men and I'm sure they also told him not to take stuff off of nobody!! Although I hated him back in the day I did recognize that Larry Bird was/and still is one of the greatest to ever play the game. Also Magic is one of the greatest to ever play the game. LeBron James has the same style of play as magic. Both of them do UNBELIEVABLE UNEXPLAINED, INCREDIBLE passes!! I'm still amazed and can't figure out how they do it. Those passes are PREEEEEEETY AND PRECISE! OH. MY. GOOOOOODNESS.
These guys are heroes and two of the fiercest competitors ever to take the floor. I watched Earvin every single high school game and a few at MSU. His court sense and ability to make other players better still ranks number one with me. Larry has similar qualities and with lights out shooting skill and his ability to get in the opponents head is brilliant. Lots of great memories and highlights from two of the greatest ever
As a life long Lakers fan... As a Lakers fan who grew up hating & despising the Celtics... And as a Lakers fan who’s favorite player has always been Magic Johnson... I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR LARRY BIRD. He gained my respect when he showed his support for Magic. And how Magic contracting HIV truly saddened Larry made me love the man. I remember watching the game against the Hawks where he had tears welling up in his eyes. It showed his soft side & it “humanized” him for me. Much respect, Larry Bird. 👍🏾👍🏾✌🏾✌🏾#GoLakers 💜💛🏆💚
Magic became a successful businessman after basketball, but struggled to find success within basketball as a coach & executive. Bird became a coach & reached the Finals & was a good executive for the Pacers.
Aside from Norm Macdonald's hilarious appearances and the chemistry between he and David Letterman, this was the best night of the show. Letterman is a midwesterner and his respect of Magic and Bird is obvious and makes it his best interview. Teri Garr deserves mention, also. Those were great evenings.
These guys were incredible players. I met Magic once in Windsor when he was still with Michigan and he was the greatest guy. And Bird? Amazing. He constantly performed magic. Fantastic talent that only comes with hard work and dedication.
You look at these 2 men Larry & Magic, you don't see a rivalry or color. Instead you see to real friends with a great amount of respect for each other. God we need more of this in the world today. Thank you Magic & thank you Larry legend.
Amen!
Oh no, you see a rivalry - but not HATRED. The two don't always go together.
A rivalry that UNITED us, rather than divide us.
When the NBA had some class. The class has been diluted.
Fr bro this is the dopest friendship that I know of celeb or otherwise.Watch a courtship of rivals its amazing
2:40 My favorite part. When Larry's mom gives Magic a "son" hug, that speaks volumes about what kind of family values they had. And she raised their family after Larry's dad died. Classy woman, Mrs. Bird.
It's almost like they practiced this conversation. Their responses are golden and the amount of respect for each other as men and human beings is amazing.
This is a beautiful relationship, we all could learn a great lesson from these two if we would listen!
@@bmd1825 Right? When you get past the color of one's skin, you can learn a lot about their character. These two are self-confident enough to NOT buy into the racial thing and judge people by their actions and character instead. I try to do that every day.
@@sujonkhan4364 lll
That fact that all was also during the whole prime rascist era was cool
Magic Johnson such a humble guy. God bless both of them
Magic is story teller and Larry is straight to the point.
Back when the NBA was worth watching was when these two legends played .Great memories as a kid watching these two legends battle it out on the court
I am a die hard Lakers fan, and the greatest compliment I can pay Larry is that I hated his guts when he played, because I know how good he was. I have nothing but respect for him.
Yep. That was what I called in my 20s hate...it was not until my 40s I reflected back and said "Bird was Baddass (Celtic team basketball too)"...and Thank You - You Tube. Larry brought the Shit (Best).
O
@@tomlemnah5268 F-O 😉
Google should ban spam accounts like this one above. No one here is interested in crap sports like soccer (I'm Spanish and know what I'm talking about). That's why we love classic NBA games.
I'm a die-hard Celtics fan, and I'm from Indiana, but I never even disliked Magic, let alone "hated his guts." But I think I know what you mean.
Never will there be two Ambassadors of the game of basketball as there was with these two. This is what greatness is all about. Legends.
the love between the two is obvious, and "their"sense of humor is right to the heart.
HELLO DOG MEAT HEARD YOU RIPPED OFF KELSO AND THAT FUCKED ME UP BECAUSE HE OWED ME $300.00 AND A GRAM OF HARD
Dave is from Indiana so rhat's why he's leading Larry on the entire time, just a fantastic, classy interview between 2 of the greatest ever.
Wow. Fantastic interview. I have so much respect for Magic and Larry
The true test of their relationship was when Magic convinced Larry to play on the Olympic team, letting him know that he wanted to share that experience with him. Larry’s back was a major issue but Magic told him do it for me and I’ll take care of you meaning he only played when necessary and Magic made sure Larry was on the team. He did it out of respect and love for Larry
Good stuff
Yeah, also be banned Isiah Thomas from that team, because he hated him, until a few years ago that they reconciled on TV, and Isaiah Thomas cried all over it.
@@alfredodistefanolaulhe2212 Jordan was the one that hated Isiah.... Magic and Isiah are longtime friends!
@@thorgardhaugen2193 So why the reconciliation? And why Isiah crying?
Because Isiah was stabbing everybody in the back bad mouthing Magic at his lowest point. Some friend he was.
15 years later this is still golden! Love them both but Larry is special in my heart ❤️
Larry coulda been a comedian. What a great guy to hang with. Both my idols growing up. Very nice to see that both are great people too.
I'm actually jealous of you being around and living the era :)
great people and they're both best friends
Yeah Magic too but Larry is def quick witted
xart23x f b
I agree totally always said those two were the two who brought the NBA back to life. I don't care what anybody say the best basketball era of all-time way better than this garbage that we watch today.
One of the best interviews I have ever watched especially with these two.
I have always love Larry's ' dry humor ' since he's retired and open up the funny side of him...His delivery and timing is great, especially if you don't know it's coming..He would sound like he's serious then he'd throw in a funny liners here and there.. And Magic seems the same...Magic always have a sunny disposition about him, and I love how he tells or share stories...So fun to listen to them both..Two great legends that have become fast friends..Btw, I have watched them since their days in college..
Very similar to Peyton Manning in that way. Dry, deadpan, to the point humor
The reverence David Letterman clearly shows for these fine cats says it all....
I agree about the documentary. I was sooo surprised about how good it was. I actually cried. Thank you HBO.
Bird's mom says about Magic.."You're my favorite player." Bam!!!! Classic.
Obvious lie because of what Larry said about beating the Lakers, Larry was mad for the rest of the interview because Magic wouldn't tolerate the same thing from him
@@hugh1297 I believe Georgia Bird could said that, but as a courtesy statement. Magic was among her favorite players, but actually #1 and #2 were Isiah Thomas and... believe it or not... Bill Laimbeer (!).
@M Clearly, you don't get out often. But for a basketball interview, your post shows an incredible fear that what you're saying isn't true at all. For why bother to make such a post if its as true as you say. For sure, soccer is in the decline the world over and for many good reasons starting with the organizing body, FIFA, which is all about getting a nice payoff from whichever country holds the next world cup. I mean, who holds the cup in Qatar in the middle of Summer? That's the beginning of the end.
Two true GOAT'S. They definitely don't make them like this anymore. Larry Legend!!!
Marco Ramirez you do realize what you just said is an oxymoron.....?
@@degbry no it's not cause without these two there is no nba for the 90s and maybe none for the late 80s
@@JET1970 GOAT = greatest of all time. This term can’t be pluralized.
@@degbry when two people are tied together as Magic and Bird are for everything they did for the NBA that's what makes them the GOATS and Jordan do nearly as much shitt for the NBA as they did
Yeah I cannot see LeBron and Curry sitting down to a late night program and joking around
Magic and Bird. Bird and Magic . Both legends
I love how their rivalry motivated them to elevate their games and become better players simply because of that personal competition. Awesome story
Yes, and unfortunately, you don't see that anymore. Now, instead of competing, they just join each other on a "super team".
It really is a reflection on our society. It's no longer about individuality, all that matters now is "rings". Championships were a byproduct of competition, now they are the only measure of a team, of players, and of fans. You're not great unless you have a ring. Sorry Dan Marino, Trent Dilfer is the better QB. Sorry Charles Barkley, your career was a failure.
When everyone gets rewarded for participation, no one gets THIS.
These two guys were the pivot point for the NBA.
By far👌
Both these gentlemen are in the top ten of all time, in my opinion.
Make that top 2. Michael Jordan started winning championships when Magic and Bird got old and weren't in their prime anymore
landmansid it's so hard to rank
Bill Russell
Michael Jordan
Larry Bird
Magic
Wilt Chamberlain
landmansid duh
@@seamusgallagher6860 so tough to rank ...how about Jabbar,Jerry West,Oscar,Baylor,Walton,Erving,Havlecek,Maravich,MMalone,Karl Malone,Stockton...
Top 10? Wow that's bold.
Dave is as good an interviewer as I remember. Well read, gracious, provocatively humorous and warm.
He really made them drop their guard.
Young people ,understandably, have a hard time understanding how much impact Johnson and Bird had on the game and pro sports as a whole. Their level of determination, unselfish play, and competitiveness brought great things to all involved.
Magic is my all time favorite player. I used to hate Larry because he was so damn good. (Maybe even better than Magic) When Magic showed nothing but respect for Larry, I couldn't hate the guy anymore and I started to appreciate his greatness.
Magic is still my all time favorite BUT I think Larry is the greatest of all time.
I'm a big Celtics and Larry fan . But Larry himself said that Magic was the best he's ever seen in 85 playoffs I believe. Both are legends though
Talk about greatness. I truly miss watching those guys play. They both are such funny guys too.
It's almost like they practiced this conversation. Their responses are golden and the amount of respect for each other as men and human beings is amazing.
I think it's an indicator of the nature of their relationship. There's no bullshit. Whatever they say can be said without fear of contradicting something in the past because of the honesty between them.
Magic said it right. He's the better guard, Larry was the better forward. #Respect
larry was better and more clutch even when he told you what he was going to do he did it.
As a born LA Laker fan, I used to take Magic and the team for granted. But years later I watched some highlights of Magic, and realized just how much 'magic' there was in his talent. As for Bird, ever since I was a kid there was something important about a Lakers/Celtics game. Maybe because the Celts were always a threat. So same for Bird....I admit I was in serious denial of his talent for years.
Mullie was it too guys
True but Jordan& his Bulls never won a game against Bird in the playoffs-0-6😉
@@pablogarcia4902 You got that right friend!👍
The best part is when Magic said “Larry’s Mom told me I was like her favorite player”
She actually did!
Larry was the best ever...I remember those 84 86 87 playoffs as a kid...
86 Celtics top 5 all time team no question
When there are two great players like them, you can't really say one is better than another. It's subjective. They're both the best!
Larry Bid is so laid back and funny
Loved watching two of the best players of my day ... “ RESPECT “
Both were great players who elevated everyone around them. Was the best time to be a NBA fan.
I love it when Magic laughs - So much of him has a good time!
Two of the few maestros of basketball/sports/friendship/competition/Civility.
Ken Hasibar well said Ken.
GREAT INTERVIEW 😉😃😁😎 I enjoyed hearing Magic & Bird talking FRANKLY and COMPLIMENTARY about each other and to know they are GOOD FRIENDS and do things TOGETHER. 😄😃😎😁
I lived just a bit outside of Boston all through the 80's and got to see these guys play live. It was amazing basketball and I think it was a special time that won't ever be repeated. What makes it so great was yeah, you have MJ, Kobe, Lebron or whoever but none of them had what these two guys had, the rivalry. Whether you were a Magic fan or a Larry fan, you had the other as your nemesis. Like Magic said, the thorn in each other's side. They truly did resurrect basketball and saved a dying sport.
Your last sentence is SO TRUE. People who grew up watching Kobe, LeBron, etc. have no idea. Without Magic and Bird, Jordan would not have had the success he did. As great as Magic and Bird were individually, it was the RIVALRY - and what a rivalry - that saved the NBA.
I sure miss watching these two megastars! Anyone watching basketball from ‘80 to ‘90 witnessed, by far, THE best era of the NBA
You used the perfect word: Megastar. Larry is my favorite player ever. And Magic is my all-time 'hated him, respected him' player. He's the only player in any sport that made me, literally, cry. When he hit that swooping hook shot coming across the lane to ice the Finals against the Celtics, I freeking just broke down and cried. That was no gut-punch, it was soul shattering.
The perfect representation of true buds.
Great guys, great basketball players, great story.
Larry's comedic timing is always on point. If he didn't make it as a basketball player he might would have had a chance as a comic
What was funny to me was when 'Magic' SAID that Larry's Mom told him that 'Magic' was her favorite player-!!! LoL. Then, Larry talked about how they got cheated in the Playoffs-!!! LMAO-!!!!!!! Ya know, people talked about how Larry would 'talk trash' on the Court (sometimes), But- he could DEFINITELY 'Back it up' and being as PHENOMINAL as he was during his 'Hey-Day'; I think he is a very modest and humble person... Larry, will ALWAYS be my favorite Basketball Player of ALL TIMES-!!! J/S 🙂😁👍✌
Totally agree, Bird simply has got to be one of the most truly respected and well liked NBA PLAYERS among his peers ever!
Magic is one of the ultimate role models for any type of person with any type of goals
Especially the part where he was married and contracted aid for having all kinds of unprotected sex with random woman.
I grew up in Terre Haute when Bird was at ISU. I was a big fan of his. My mother did some alterations on clothes that he bought at the store where she worked. When he went to the NBA everyone in Haute became Celtic fans. Being an obstinate teenager I started rooting for Magic and the Lakers just to be different than everyone around me. When I got into my 20's I just started appreciating the great basketball that both of them played. Man, what a great time to be a hoops fan. Especially in Indiana. IU was rolling in college. NBA you had Bird, Magic, then Hakeem, Jordan, Isiah came along... awesome memories. Wish I could go back and experience it all again. Damn, I miss my teens and twenties!
Does ISU even still have a basketball team? Never heard a THING from them since Bird left.
What an evolution of 2 HOF friendships.From rivalries growing up on the court to 2 guys who really care about one another. A perfect match and exactly what the NBA needed.
And what the NBA actually needs NOW!
MAGIC HAS A 1K MEGAWATT SMILE. WHAT A PHENOM!
You are saying Magic can't shoot as great as Bird? If you really new anything about the two, their shooting stats were about the same. There is no way in hell Bird could guard Magic. Wouldn't be able to stop him not once. Magic chose not to take to many shots because, he had a better offensive team. Bird had to do a lot more because, he had lesser offense than Lakers. Best center of all times and the best point guard of all times, Celtics got lucky to win 3 titles. Should have only been two. Lakers beat themselves and it really looked liked the Lakers lost that game on purpose. Since when did Magic start fumbling a basketball? It was rigged. The following year the Lakers beat the Celtics easily in 5 games. What changed? That time it wasn't rigged. The Celtics were great. But if anyone thinks they were as good as the Lakers, you're crazy. They had no answer for Magic, Kareem or Worthy. Magic is the greatest player ever and not Jordan. Every expert knows it.
Wow I didn't realise Larry was so funny!!! Amazing!!!
Two amazingly awesome people and see how humble they are, while still emoting fierce competitor spirit!
It really looks like Magic was having a lot of fun.. Basketball Legends. Awesome.
Twol of the Greats .. NBA personified in exciting playmaking..Never met Larry up close,Magic Johnson I had the extreme pleasure of not only meeting him but conversercing with him. I've been a Boston Celtic fan since Bob Cousy and Bill Russell joined the Celtics..To this day I yet be..Kind of like the Denver Nuggets,being from the Mile High City I go along with Avalanche(hockey) ,Denver Broncos,Denver Rockies baseball team.Living not far from the city of Los Angeles..kind of rough..Yeah!!
Larry Bird was so good at basketball he had to play half a game LEFT HANDED because he was bored. Against NBA players.
What is less widely known was that Portland had beaten the Celtics in the Boston Garden in their last meeting. The left-handed stunt was so he wouldn't have to answer questions regarding their only home loss at that point in the season and to show the Blazers he still considered his team to be the better of the two.
27 pts on 3 quarters.
Left handed.
I am so thankful I lived to see these tremendous men play. I lived in Boston and watched in awe at Larry at the old Garden even when he could barely walk. Can't imagine how it would have been for him if he wasn't injured.....
Visions of these two on the same team. Talk about near unstoppable. Two of the greatest to ever lace them up.
Classy examples of " it's just a game". We're humans. Competitive by nature, but capable of being good friends off the court. Just plain classy!!
Celtics and Lakers, Bird and Johnson = Legends beyond words!
"Then she told me I'm her favorite player" Hysterical
I just love these 2 guys, amazin players the greatest, n really cool men
Larry is remarkable.
I think the NBA was at it's greatest in their time.
I think the Michael Jordan era was the most exciting !!!
80s thru the late 90s
The NBA stopped when these two stopped. Long live Pete Maravich!
Po 9 0k I
Fi txt hsggxfig Fffjyfdyhgsjgdyxzshjfdn it was! I was born 1989 and I have watched every 1980 game and interview from these 2 guys
They set aside their egos to appear together, That makes them great in my book.
You gotta love 'em!! The NBA at its best.
Thank you for posting this interview. I think it was Lettermen's best interview ever. Of course I am biased as Bird and Magic are my favorite players because of their team first approach to the game. Love the respect for each other, just great chemistry and it comes from the heart.
DL and LB both are indiana natives, so they go back a long ways.
Larry, Thanks for all of those Funny stories but more importantly listening to those interviews on your opponents speak so highly of You. You are The Best ever & I Love You. Thanks for The Memories. What a Guy.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS...
True legends, thank you for the memories.
I loved Magic Johnson. He was incredible
The league could go on a thousand more years, and I can guarantee that there will never, never ever be a rivalry/friendship like the one between these two.
Bill Russel & Wilt Chamberlain
@@lancelabauve8636 Were Wilt & Bill friends?
@Matt Beeman Glad to hear that. Thank You.
Lance LaBauve.... it’s not the same, because these two started in college.... in the ncaa finals.... both the same age coming in together. Co-rookies of the year. It was a perfect storm of greatness! They got the league popular... a few years later Jordan took over and took it to outer space in popularity. The 80’s especially had SOOO MANY great players! The league got really competitive!
Truth
Any interview with Magic is worth watching. Great basketball player
Wow love how Larry gave him the nod as the better player, even though he doesn't believe it. If you know Larry that must mean he truly loves him lol
you think these two guys cared about the color of the other one's skin? they look at the heart of man...when magic was told about his HIV virus...it broke bird down...but, they are forever friends...and, that is too cool!
One of the most beautiful sports rivals
@@805fillmore that has grown into the love of two brothers....i agree, one of the best and most beautiful sports rivals ever....
Real talk guys, bird was more supportive of Magic than isiah was during this period of time.
speaking of virus... why didn't they shut down the economy over that one?
@@retiredmusiceducator3612 or air pollution, it goes straight to the lungs
That was great to watch. Two class acts!
These great men saved the
NBA.
That's subjective..... look at where the NBA was in 1976..... then look what Julius Erving did to revitalize the Association when he entered. Bird and Magic were great for the game because of their rivalry and who they played for....but DOC single handedly saved the NBA when it was at an all time low for TV ratings and attendance when he went from the Nets in the ABA, to the 76ers in the NBA.
Being from Brazil living in L A during the 80 `s and no soccer to watch , became a Basketball fanatic . Sure pick The Lakers as my team , often went to see them at The Forum . Magic , Kareem , N Nixon , Jamaal Wilkens , M Cooper , Worthy great bunch of players . Anyway was fortunate enough to see Lakers playing The Celtics few times , hated Larry because he was so damn good . Now even back than had Bird as one of my favorite player .
The hick from French Lick.
What two great ambassadors of sportsmanship.
That was when the game was played by men not spoiled brats like today .
Yes!
You got that right, brother.
Amen
3 legends. David Letterman led the league in assists. Great interview.
Both Bird and Magic were great players. The 1979 NCAA game between Michigan State and Indiana State was a classic.
three legends great to watch.
These guys WERE basketball. Awesome competitors, w legendary teams. Lord, the memories!
"I got to know Larry the man... And he got to know Earvin the man" - That was a great statement by Magic (aka Earvin)
"If I had to pick a player to make the shot and win the game, I'd pick Michael Jordan. If I had to pick a player to make the shot and save my life, I'd pick Larry Bird." --- Pat Riley
#33☘🐐💫
It seems like someone feels obligated to put this same quote under every Larry Bird video. It’s getting weird.
I cant find where he said that
I have watched these 2 rivals play against eachother 10x more than any other 2 in history. I can't choose between them. They are Giants.
That and they don't get enough credit for SAVING pro basketball and growing college basketball. The second they got to their teams they made everyone else on the(ir) team better.
larry is hilarious!!!!! aka the baddest dude to ever play. feared no one
💯...He was the biggest shit talker, too, but backed every bit of it up. What kind of monster plays an entire game, with the opposite hand, just bc he wants too!!???
#LarryLegend
I'm from L.A. and a huge Magic fan, but you're right. Larry was the man.
Arael4, he FEARED! no one because in his documentary he talked about how he and his brothers would have to fight and I think he said his brothers made him fight and if he didnt win when ge got home.he had problems with his dad. Also, in 6th grade he went to play with older black kids or men and I'm sure they also told him not to take stuff off of nobody!! Although I hated him back in the day I did recognize that Larry Bird was/and still is one of the greatest to ever play the game. Also Magic is one of the greatest to ever play the game. LeBron James has the same style of play as magic. Both of them do UNBELIEVABLE UNEXPLAINED, INCREDIBLE passes!! I'm still amazed and can't figure out how they do it. Those passes are PREEEEEEETY AND PRECISE!
OH. MY. GOOOOOODNESS.
@@joshbennett3620 3 quarters, not the whole game - but he announced ahead of time he was GOING TO DO IT.
27 in those 3 quarters, 42 total IIRC.
@@joshbennett3620 put up 27 left handed
I Absolutely Love this interview... Bird is the "Basketball Technician", & Johnson the the "Basketball Gladiator" ... Perfect Competition !!!
Larry was so good as a basketball player, it was scary...
Hjiii
This is just awesome to watch :))))
There will never be another story like this college pro dream team.
Magic Larry Legends👌👌👌💚☘️
These guys are heroes and two of the fiercest competitors ever to take the floor.
I watched Earvin every single high school game and a few at MSU. His court sense and ability to make other players better still ranks number one with me. Larry has similar qualities and with lights out shooting skill and his ability to get in the opponents head is brilliant. Lots of great memories and highlights from two of the greatest ever
Magic Johnson was born to laugh, such a cool guy, both of them great
As a life long Lakers fan... As a Lakers fan who grew up hating & despising the Celtics... And as a Lakers fan who’s favorite player has always been Magic Johnson... I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR LARRY BIRD. He gained my respect when he showed his support for Magic. And how Magic contracting HIV truly saddened Larry made me love the man. I remember watching the game against the Hawks where he had tears welling up in his eyes. It showed his soft side & it “humanized” him for me. Much respect, Larry Bird. 👍🏾👍🏾✌🏾✌🏾#GoLakers 💜💛🏆💚
Magic became a successful businessman after basketball, but struggled to find success within basketball as a coach & executive. Bird became a coach & reached the Finals & was a good executive for the Pacers.
@Marque Markofthebeast Who is claiming Magic has AIDS?
He made it to the Eastern Conf Finals.
Aside from Norm Macdonald's hilarious appearances and the chemistry between he and David Letterman, this was the best night of the show.
Letterman is a midwesterner and his respect of Magic and Bird is obvious and makes it his best interview.
Teri Garr deserves mention, also. Those were great evenings.
These guys were incredible players. I met Magic once in Windsor when he was still with Michigan and he was the greatest guy. And Bird? Amazing. He constantly performed magic. Fantastic talent that only comes with hard work and dedication.
Michigan State
Michigan State
They are a great duo, what a great story!
I haven't cried this much during a TH-cam video ever. Probably.
Watch the HBO documentary which Letterman refers. Keep the kleenex handy.
i liked magic as a kid, but now that i'm older, i can relate to larry more. plus he's more funny and has better stories imo.
Magic's reaction always so gold!!
Larry looks like the tight disciplinarian Dad and Magic was the cool Uncle
All of today's NBA players should watch how these two greats played, both very competitive, unselfish and class acts!
They're too busy getting together for super teams
DEFINITELY....today's players are all about themselves....not like back in the 80's when teamwork was the name of the game!
This is like the best interview of all time how two great players respect each other such a beautiful thing