Every major athlete wishes to inspire future generations. That is one of the several qualities of a great player that their work stands the test of time for generations to come. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are two such athletes. Despite their retirement from the game decades ago, the two are still revered by fans.

More importantly, their impact on the new generation of athletes has helped change the game. Recently, one of the top high school recruits in the country cited the two legends as his influence. Giving due credit to the veterans, the 16-year-old unveiled that their mindset helps him better prepare for future challenges.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird are generational

The two legends are also among the most-loved athletes the sport has ever seen. Despite their fierce rivalry in the 80s, today they are close friends. The LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics boast a legacy that is unmatched in the league. The credit for the same goes to the teams that these two were a part of in the 80s. Even today, people and celebrities from other fields fondly remember the impact and relevance that these two teams had back in the day. While their rivalry was surely fierce, they helped elevate the standard of the game to a whole new level in their time.

The same rivalry is still working as a blueprint for a new age of athletes. Recently, one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg detailed his love for the Magic-Bird saga. The 16-year-old also cited Bird as his source of inspiration for what he was able to achieve in his time. Flagg said, “We would always either have the ‘85 or ‘86 Celtics championship games on or the Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird movies”. A Celtics fan in particular, Flagg added “Especially from that Celtics team that played against the Rockets, it was more about the teamwork and the ball movement.”

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Nearly 40 years later, it’s heartwarming for every hoop fan that we still have upcoming athletes who draw inspiration from the veterans.

Read More: Despite Noble Intentions, Here’s How an NBA Legend’s Mother Put an End to Son’s 13-Year Stellar Career

Magic Johnson’s admiration for Larry Bird

Although they went for each other’s throats as athletes, over the years we have seen nothing but love between the two veterans. In terms of on-court success, Magic surely surpasses Bird. He has won five championships to Bird’s three. However, the respect that he has for the Celtics legend is unparalleled. Magic had said in the past that he feared “no one but Larry Bird.”

The love is surely reciprocated as Bird too has praised Magic on several occasions and has marveled at his ability as an athlete.

Watch This Story: “He Comes In With His Cigar, Got His Drink”: Magic Johnson Reveals Michael Jordan’s Intimidating Words in Front of Larry Bird Embarking NBA’s New Era

What do you think of the legendary relationship between Bird and Johnson? Let us know in the comments below!