Magic Johnson explains why he didn’t hate Michael Jordan but rather Larry Bird
Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson may have had the biggest impact on the NBA before or since. Before Michael Jordan elevated the game in the 1990s, Magic and Bird’s rivalry drew enormous crowds in the 1980s.
Although Magic Johnson only played Michael Jordan once in the NBA Finals, he had numerous meetings with Larry Bird. As he disclosed in a recent interview, it makes sense that there was more competitiveness and “hatred” between the two of them.
Since we only ever played once (1991 Finals), I never had the opportunity to despise Michael,” he remarked. “I believe that because of our numerous games together and the friendship that developed with Larry while we were in college, it extended to the two most illustrious teams in NBA history. We loathed each other because of this.
“Michael, I believe that the Bulls and Celtics’ membership in the Eastern Conference and their frequent games may have contributed to the animosity. We really only played that one game against them in 1991. I was unable to harbor hatred toward Michael.
Michael Jordan worked hard to become the greatest player when he first entered the NBA, but he didn’t start winning until after Magic and Larry had reached the end of their careers. He told them that he wanted to steal their title of best and turn it into his own league when they were on the Dream Team, and he succeeded in doing so. But the rivalry between Magic and Bird was always more unique.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had perhaps the greatest rivalry in NBA history, having faced off against one other at the highest levels of competition both in college and the NBA Finals. Magic Johnson did win two more titles, but they both took home three MVP awards. And according to Magic, the rivalry started with the teams they were on.
Johnson said, “We hated each other in the beginning.” We had no choice because I wound up on the Lakers and he on the Celtics. The Celtics had defeated the Lakers for, what, seven straight games, so you knew there would be animosity there.
“I had to hate him because we met and they beat us in ’84,” he went on. I had to despise the Boston Celtics. We made friends at his house in French Lick, Indiana, where we shot that commercial, I think in 1987.
Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan clearly respected each other now, regardless of their feelings throughout their playing careers. Numerous stars have graced the NBA.
