Are Larry Bird And Magic Johnson Still Friends
When it comes to basketball legends, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are two of the greatest players of all time. These two men dominated the game in the 80s, and their rivalry on the court was intense. However, many people wonder, are Larry Bird and Magic Johnson still friends today?
Their Rivalry on the Court
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson entered the NBA in 1979, and their rivalry started almost immediately. These two players were constantly compared to each other, and their teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, were bitter rivals.
Their rivalry on the court was intense, but it was also respectful. Bird and Johnson had a mutual admiration for each other's skills, and they were both fierce competitors who wanted to win. Their rivalry helped to elevate both of their games, and it made the Celtics-Lakers matchups some of the most exciting games in NBA history.
Off the Court
Despite their on-court rivalry, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson have always had a great deal of respect for each other. They have both spoken highly of each other in interviews, and they have both acknowledged that their rivalry helped to make them better players.
Off the court, Bird and Johnson have remained friendly. They have both participated in events together, such as the NBA All-Star Weekend, and they have both spoken at each other's charity events. They have also been spotted hanging out together, and they have even played golf together.
Their Friendship Today
So, are Larry Bird and Magic Johnson still friends today? The answer is yes. Despite the fact that they no longer play basketball, and despite the fact that they live on opposite sides of the country, Bird and Johnson remain close friends.
In fact, in 2019, Bird and Johnson were both honored by the NBA with the Lifetime Achievement Award. When Bird took the stage to accept his award, he gave a shoutout to Johnson, saying "I couldn't have done it without you, Magic."
It's clear that Bird and Johnson's friendship is stronger than ever. While their rivalry on the court may have been intense, their respect for each other as players and as friends has never wavered.
In Conclusion
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson's rivalry on the court was legendary, but their friendship off the court is equally impressive. Despite the fact that they were bitter rivals in their playing days, Bird and Johnson have always had a great deal of respect for each other, and they have remained close friends to this day.
Their friendship is a testament to the fact that even the fiercest of competitors can have a deep respect for each other, and that true friendship can endure even the most intense of rivalries.