Magic Johnson and Larry Bird defined the NBA in the 80s. The legendary duo had a famous rivalry that brought the league back into the limelight. By the end of the 70s, NBA was a failing product with an uncertain future. But a rivalry born in college and backed by being part of two of the most storied franchises in the league gave it the necessary boost.

After Magic and Larry, the next star of the league was Michael Jordan. Jordan was the third overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft. By his third year, he was one of the league’s premium players. He became the de facto face of the Chicago Bulls and their resurgence in the 90s.

But the 80s were a little difficult for Jordan. Even though he had great individual success, team success was still a far-fetched dream for the Bulls. But the talent recognition for Michael was there. Everybody realized how special Michael was.

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A resurfaced article from 1989 talks about how other legendary players from that era realized how great he was. Magic Johnson, who was the face of the NBA then, also said, “Everybody talks about how it’s me and Larry [Bird]—really, there’s Michael, and then there’s everybody else.”

Magic and Larry – The rivalry that reinvented the NBA

Sports leagues dream of a scenario where they can market two blue chip players who have a rivalry together. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson provided the exact opportunity for the NBA. Their college rivalry became more intense in the NBA when they were drafted by two legendary rivals, Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, respectively.

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Their paths crossed in the league multiple times. They also faced each other in the NBA Finals, with both sides winning against each other.

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Lakers and Celtics are right now tied as two of the most celebrated franchises in the NBA. Both of them have won seventeen NBA Championships apiece. Celtics last won the NBA Championship in 2008 against the Lakers. The Lakers won their last NBA Championship in 2020 against the Miami Heat. Let us know in the comments below your favorite memory of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.