The rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics was the highlight of the 1980s. The Celtics led by Larry Bird and the Lakers led by Magic Johnson gave the fans some of the most memorable moments in the history of the NBA.

However, it seems Bird was unfazed by all the hype before the Celtics and Lakers game. According to a report, a Boston Herald reporter once revealed Bird’s weird locker room tradition before the crucial matchup.

According to the report, “Steve Bulpett, the Celtics reporter for The Boston Herald, recalled a moment a few years earlier when Bird, dressing alone in The Forum locker room, suddenly sang, almost to himself, “We’re playin’ the Lakers, we’re playin’ the Lakers.”

Being one of the best players in the league during the time, Bird had a lot of expectations on his shoulders. Needless to say, he lived up to all the hype and the expectations and he had his own unique pre-game rituals.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson lit up the league with their rivalry

The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are two of the most successful franchises in NBA history. They both have 17 NBA titles to their name and no other team in the NBA comes close.

“You’re Backing Down, You’re Being a Pus*y!”: Larry Bird Had to Overcome Brutal Spat Between Celtics Team to Beat Warriors in 1991

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV

April 27, 2024 02:44 AM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

“Livid”: Dejected Fans Shocked As LeBron James Screams At Darvin Ham & Lakers’ Bench

April 28, 2024 04:25 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It is only natural two of the best players in each team shared a fierce rivalry. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson first matched up during the 1979 NCAA tournament. Already destined to be great, the two again met the same year on 28th December 1979. This started one of the most heated rivalries in NBA history.

They faced each other 37 times with 19 of their games coming in the playoffs. Magic Johnson holds the upper hand with 22 wins out of 37. Despite having the better record, Johnson loses out to Bird when it comes to individual stats.

In the games against Bird, Johnson averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 12.5 assists. On the other hand, Larry Bird averaged 23.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. (Source: landofbasketball.com)

WATCH THIS STORY: Trae Young’s bow, Larry Bird’s Steal & Other Iconic NBA Playoff Moments

What is your favorite memory of the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rivalry? Let us know in the comments down below.