“I’m choked up because he did call me” Magic Johnson details high emotions after Larry Bird reached out following this HIV diagnosis
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Larry Bird and Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were two of the biggest stars in the NBA during the 1980s. As many of us would dig into different eras investigating which one is the best, the 80s was hands down one of the most influential of them all. It was arguably the one ear that shaped the NBA into the exciting league that it was and currently is.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the ultimate rivals ever since their time in college. Johnson who played for Michigan State would defeat Bird’s Indiana State team in the 1979 NCAA finals. This added fuel to the fire and the rivalry would carry on into the NBA. Both players were considered as the rebirth of the basketball franchise as it was on its way to meeting its end.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were fierce competitors and teammates
As we all know, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have been going at each other’s heads since the commencement of the NBA. The rival of both players into their respective franchises brought back a rivalry that meant the world to the league. Both players would meet in the 1987 NBA finals as the Lakers would defeat the Celtics 4-2. Johnson would retire with five championships under his name and Bird won three with his last being in 1986.
The pair would become teammates eventually forming the Dream Team along with another feared legend, Michael Jordan. The 1992 Olympics was the last time the world witnessed Magic and Bird play either together or against each other. Little did they know, their rivalry would turn into a strong friendship in the end.
Magic Johnson retires from basketball due to HIV and confides in Bird
The legendary point guard and passer would find himself in the grasp of early retirement. In 1991, Magic shocked the entire world by announcing himself testing positive for HIV. Johnson would openly talk about his sexual relationships with multiple women at the same time. This did not stop Johnson from playing with his rival in Bird.
Jackie McMullan of the Ringer’s Icons Club spoke about when Magic had received a phone call from Bird following the shocking announcement. “Called me. We were talking, it’s just, ‘How you doin? Heard about it.’ You almost hear both of us with some years in our eyes. And I’m choked up because he did call me. When something happens to you and then you find out who really your friends are and people who really care about you.”
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Rakibul John Rodgers
(1258 Articles Published)