Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are considered the two greatest rivals in NBA history, from their classic showdown in the final of the 1979 NCAA Tournament as members of Indiana State and Michigan State respectively, to their east coast, west coast rivalry that overtook the NBA in the 1980s and resurrected the league from a dark, drug-filled decade of the 1970s. Bird’s Celtics and Magic’s Lakers won eight of the 10 titles in the 1980s, and they met three times to compete for the sport’s biggest prize. Their rivalry has resulted in numerous documentaries and even became a Broadway play.
Now it appears these two will be competing in a way once again as Magic has taken over as the President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, a role Larry Bird has held for the Indiana Pacers since 2013.
Although Magic has seen tremendous success as a player and a business man, becoming a great NBA personnel man takes a lot of time, viewing the game from a different perspective, understanding the salary cap and CBA complexities and usually a steep learning curve (ask Michael Jordan).
Larry Bird knows that, that is why he is offering some advice to his former on-court adversary and dear friend.
Here is what Bird told Tania Gangulia of the Los Angeles Times about it:
“He’s got a lot to learn,” Bird said. “But he took the challenge and I’m sure he’s ready for it. There’s just so much to learn about it…
Don’t be surprised if Magic leans on his old friend for some advice and guidance when it comes to running an NBA team, I’m sure Larry will be happy to provide it, not only out of respect for his friend, but to help even the playing field and make Magic a fun adversary once again as they compete for titles just as they did 30 years ago, this time behind the scenes.
