JSwan, absolutely. Magic was at the lowest point in his life, and his arch enemy (on the court) calls to let him know he had his back. THAT is a true friend. Obviously Magic got choked up in this clip, but if you watch the documentary, the camera shows Larry standing in uniform before a game in Atlanta (the following game after he got the news about Magic), and his mouth/chin started quivering. Larry's personality is stoic and tough, but he just couldn't stop his sadness from showing.
Mike S oh for sure. they were men. men that learned how to get over themselves and their egos. they were brothers. and it's crazy how all his boys from back in Michigan were like "who this fucking white boy?" thinking he sucked at basketball and was probably racist, but then they didn't want anything to do with Earvin when the news broke and Bird was the first one calling him. That's love. and Larry Bird is just the fucking man. He was working on a triple double that game
JSwanKilowJ I hear ya. Although Magic and Larry realized they liked one another after shooting that Converse commercial at Larry's place in Indiana, that call by Larry meant the world to Magic, and showed him what a true friend was about by sticking with him while Magic was at his lowest point. By contrast, when Isaiah Thomas spread some nasty rumors about Magic, that basically betrayed their friendship. If you remember, Isaiah and Magic were VERY tight, so I think that's what Magic was referring to (about knowing who your true friends are). But I love how Larry and Magic have become very close friends, and it's great to see the raw emotion from both of them. Larry's right, they're forever linked, right to their graves...and long after that. I'm a HUGE Celtics fan (I'm from Boston), yet even when I think of Larry, or some buddies and I talk about the greats, Magic's name inevitably comes up when talking/thinking about Larry. It's just how it is.
Larry calling Magic meant the world to Magic and you can hear it in his voice. That is a TRUE sign of friendship that goes beyond anything you can imagine.
The basketball world and a lot of his so called “friends” abandoned magic after he got aids and were very public about them not even wanting him to come back to play. To have the other biggest basketball player at that time telling him that he was behind him must have gave him hope
Magic will be forever thankful to Larry Legend and Stern (who's a legend who did something precious that meant the world to Bill Russell also, for his dying wife) Greatest Laker!
As a Laker fan and Celtic hater. I give Bird all the respect and admiration for his concern of Magic in his hour of need. While his so called friends like Isiah Thomas were abandoning him, Bird showed what a real man and friend does at such a time. I'll always respect Bird for being such a stand up guy.
I was on the other side, Celtic fan and Laker hater. I have no doubt Magic would have done the same for Larry. Magic drove me crazy at the time but now I feel blessed to have watched that rivalry on the court and the friendship off it. A lot of people in this country could learn a lot from both of them if they would only listen.
@@uncleroku8962 He didn't "abandon him" but he sure as hell made mistakes as we all do...instead of shutting people down who accused Magic of being homosexual he added to the fire by asking those questions himself and worrying more about people thinking he may be gay himself, like Magic said Isiah knew him best he knew he wasn't gay so why fuel the rumors more..a true friend should have shut people down right away
Magic vs Bird was something special. I hate the Lakers, but I respect (and even like) the hell out of Magic. You can't love one without the other. Everything they did was better because of the competition between the two of them.
Larry was one of the first guys to call Sir Charles when he got incarcerated for DUI. It's not only Larry's game that gets the respect of players. It's also the fact that, despite being arguably the best trash talker who's ever opened his mouth, he really is color-blind.
I end my last comment by saying: May God keep both Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry "the Legend" Bird on our planet as long as possible. These two wonderful men are the symbol of black and white people competing with one another, fighting with one another, understanding one another, and,above all, loving one another. It's possible, people. It's been a pleasure and joy visiting this video post. God bless everyone.
I remember when the media was hyping this rivalry up and promoting racial bias to the fans, and Bird and Magic didn't give a shit about race, it was just about winning. You got to love the fact that neither of them fed the media.
Albo Solidarietas- Yeah, exactly. It also makes ratings go up and more money get's invested in a ''Black vs White'' rivalry. It's happened for decades. The media are the main race-baiters.
Albo Solidarietas- There will always be division between races. There will never be any kind of cure for racism and hate. Races will always have that superior feeling and competition between eachother. It's human nature.
Albo, unfortunately you're right on both counts. You're also 9000% correct about the scumbag media's role in stoking the racial flames...all for ratings and the bottom line: $$. Thankfully, the cool irony is Bird never gave two shits about race, and Magic was cool like that as well. Ppl (black, white, etc.) who might need a reminder of how two arch enemies (Bird & Magic) on the court came to be very close friends can always watch this. No matter how many times I watch this segment (of the documentary), it always chokes me up. Just doesn't get any better :)
Soul mates, not in a sexual way, but their respect for one another and competitiveness will keep them alive forever. You really can't mention one name without the other.
@@phillipfry9765 You and the very best friend you've ever known in your life can be considered... soldiers that have fought side by side on the battlefield can be considered as well.... Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward also.... can all be considered "soulmates" because of the bond that was created whether competing against one another or defending one another's lives or the love shared that goes beyond brotherhood. Not everything in this world is about the love between man and women or men and men or women and women. There is a connection that goes any physicality. That's one of the meanings of "soul mates". I apologize to you as someone should have taught you that simple lesson a very long time ago. You're still young and it's never too late to learn. I wish you and your loved ones continued safety and health throughout the days to come.
@@thedarkstranger963 I think Phillip's point is that there was no need for you to clarify "not in a sexual way." It came across odd and defensive. No one would have even thought of anything sexual if you hadn't brought it up yourself.
@@773SleepyHollow SOUL MATE: Usually refers to a romantic partner and/or true love. By posting "not in a sexual way" makes it clear that I am not stating Bird and Magic were lovers. Again, when people see the term "soulmate" the first thing that comes to mind is lovers.
Let’s not forget that Larry went to Magic’s house to personally see how he was doing. He had dinner with him and his family and later on shot a few baskets with him. Their friendship is something special.
My dad, a black Mississippian-southerner man, was a die-hard Boston Celtic fan (from 1956 to his death in 94). However, his love for the Celts was nearly equal to his love for his family, not quite but close. I'm born & raised on the West Coast. Nobody couldn't believe my dad's love for the Celts. One day my dad explained to me and my brothers why he was a Celtic fan. He said that in the mid-1950s the Celts drafted a 6-foot-10 center from the University of San Francisco named Bill Russell.
This just goes to show you that, despite their intense on court rivalry, at the end of the day it's all just a game - no matter how competitive you are - and it's the people that really matter.
THIS is what MLK was talking about in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. These men judge one another by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Skin color should be ignored. That's what these men did. Respect and love was based on their judgement of the content of each other's character (and, on the court at least, the highest respect for one another's basketball abilities). Their attitudes on court directly proceeded from the character. They admired (and feared) one another as basketball players, not as white basketball players or black basketball players. If you read about other players at the time, most felt the same way: respect, admiration, and awe that was color-blind. If only more people had this kind of character, our race problems would evaporate.
Ro Co How do you know? Were you one of them? Were you there? The man face death every day standing up for what is right. Who gives a shit about what he did or didn't do in bed. You are a fucking moron with a meaningless life that no one will remember.
Brian Bey Brian there are many good people who make some bad choices in there lives. Magic, jfk,MLK & many other (white & black). Sometimes are hero's let us down & sometimes we let areselves down. But guess what? I'm a hunting - fishing guide who gets to see a smile on complete strangers faces 200 days a year (for the last 30 yrs) so I WILL BE REMEMBERED. So go cheat on your wife, pat yourself on the back while you look in the mirror & tell yourself how you will be remembered. Magic is a great man but was not a good husband at that time in his life.
This was forged in competition, 2 great men doing anything they could to beat each other at all costs, only to learn they were more alike than anyone else.
The timing of these two legends is one of the greatest and unique stories in sports history. Greater still is the fact they became good friends. A lesson this nation today, should look back on and ponder.
Well put. They STILL walk the earth. If only the rest of us--black, white, brown, whatever--could emulate them, our race problems would evaporate, and we'd finally achieve what MLK so longed for in his eloquent "I Have a Dream" speech.
These two are brothers who have a love and respect for each other that is unmatched. What is even more impressive is that they are both class acts, that I wish would never age.
+Trader865 With the current crop of NBA players I think there already is alot of it, maybe too much!No trash talking or unsportsmanlike like play just hard and honest playing to win with the utmost respect off the court.
@@austindenotter19 so what? bitch got millions from magic, a glorified babysitter. If I got paid millions of dollars for having my wife gangbanged by the entire city I would. Cheat on me, I'll cry several tears on my way to the bank.
Racism was invented to keep us from seeing the end game. It keeps us at each other's backs. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't want the best for ourselves and families. If God is our father, you are my brothers. And at the end of the day all we can all ask for is grace.
Amazing. It's incredible to hear about the kind of support Magic got from Larry. In contrast, it was heartbreaking to hear about the lack of support shown by some of Magic's closest friends. Mainly, Isiah Thomas. (Those of you who have read Magic and Larry's book know what I'm talking about.)
Great book. Bought the audio version cause I'm on the road for a living. What a phenomenal story of two of the greatest legends in sports history. Should be required reading in every school.
It's a great example of how powerful fear can be. At that time, an HIV diagnoses (in their words) meant someone grew thin and died. Magic was given a death sentence and fear drove his alleged friends away and revealed who his true friends were. The news today uses that same tool against the public and people are too readily suckered by it.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson possessed a level of genius with a basketball that I've never seen. It was a part of my growing up I'll always cherish. Thank you to both of you for your dedication to the sport and for always improving yourselves become even better players!
Magic and Bird are the true meaning of honorable winners.They hate each other in war but respect each other drive and passion to win.Both are in a class of there own and Both are in my top 5 all time greatest players to ever play the game.How can a 6'9 point guard do everything so well with a basketball I,Q that's off the chart and guess what Larry had that same I.Q.I respect Larry even more after this.
They didn't hate each other in war. They feared one another. And, supreme competitors and workaholics that they were, they wanted to dominate one another, even though each knew deep down inside they probably never would.
No shame in my game. I shed some tears. I can feel their love for each other, as well as the pain in Magic's voice talking about all those who left him out to dry. Two men from different races, different upbringings, different in almost every way on the outside but on the inside two of the realest human beings ever. Brotherhood is not just a word to some.
Those two guys went from heated rivals to close friends. Sometimes when we open up and let someone in we discover a friendship that was waiting to blossom...😊
When these gentlemen played, that's when basketball made sense, and was passionate, and was exciting. Today's players are excellent.... outstanding athletes in fact. But there's something that lacks. That something vanished, when these 2 retired.
"no character" Largely true, but LeBron, Durant, Westbrook, Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Seth Curry, Draymond, Carmelo, Wade, Love, John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry, DeRozan, Lillard, Redick, Bayless, Kanter, and Jaylen Brown have all been publicly standing up to Trump, and that does show character.
Joseph Scott as a non-american, to me it seems you have to be braver to support trump publicly.I dont give a shit,every american president is jewish puppet and a warmonger,im just saying as i see it.And i dont think that it shows character.its easy to express your opinion when you are a millionare basketball player.
When Larry's jersey was retired Magic showed up and called him the "greatest player ever," and Bird has since said that no, Magic is the greatest player ever.
Two warriors with totally opposite personalities who filled a big need in each other. Friends like that are worth way more than most people ever get to experience.
Their whole lives are joined at the hips. How many people can say that. When one of them dies (God forbid), you just know the other is going soon after, like some kind of old couple. Think John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
I don't know about Magic as far as racial views, but Bird claims he was accepted by a group of black guys older than he was on break from work[a restaurant] who would play ball on their break. He said that he learned a lot playing with those guys. And when Rodman said that bullshit in 1987 and isiah tried covering for the rookie asshole, Bird said he didn't care and was just mad that it distracted him from what he does, which is beat people down on the court
Bird told the public, "I... talked about it to my family and they still love Isiah Thomas," because it's good to be Larry Bird, so who gives a fuck. Bird and Magic are both grownups, which is why they've both bailed Isiah out by now about acting like a stupid kid. In practice, the bigger man acts like the bigger man.
I’ve been a die hard hockey fan and casual basketball fan until these two played in the NCAA final and then began their careers together. Both of them reminded me of hockey players who just happened to play basketball. Team oriented tough high IQ unselfish players who made everyone on their team better, not to mention they basically saved the NBA. Today’s players owe Magic and Bird a debt of gratitude they can never repay.
Makes you think, if these guys could have a friendship like this, shouldn’t be hard for the rest of us humans to share the earth with fkn smile and extended hand.
I have so much respect for both these titan's of basketball, showing, emotion, & how much they cared for each other 💚🧡💚🧡 This literally had me crying like a young child.......Love both of these men!!! 💚🧡💚🧡
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Competitors, rivals, but more important friends. As a lifelong Celtics fan, I have always had respect for Magic. I'm not ashamed to admit that when I heard about his HIV diagnosis I cried.
I was a 76er fan when Magic, and Larry came into the league. The Lakers, and Celtics kicked our ass more often than not. From the day they came into the NBA, (and in college also), mad respect to these two all stars, and their teammates. Some of the best games ever.
Next time you're wondering if you should call someone about something tragic that's happened, remember Magic saying that Larry calling him was "the greatest moment."
It is really impressive to see the respect for one another and how each works to keep his emotions in check, as much as they could. Great rivals always start with the same thing...respect for each other as competitors
Before these two, the NBA was on life support, they brought it back to the forefront and showed how two fierce competitors could be rivals and friends. Michael Jordan came in and continued that greatness.
Wow, I just came across this and it’s one of the greatest clips I’ve ever seen. It choked me up. Maturing is a great part of life and to see 2 of the greatest respect each other to this degree means so much. I remember being a young cocky selfish person who cared for only my success but as I grew I cared less about myself and wanted those I cared about to win. It’s a more rewarding feeling
This is why he is the goat. He is the biggest trash talker ever yet he’s genuinely a great person. I have a friend just like that. It cancels out the trash talk and you laugh it off because you know who they truly are
Magic and Larry SAVED the NBA. Michael took the baton and expanded it where it’s never been before or after. The 3 most important basketball figures in nba history
Fear is what kept people away from doing what is right back in the day. Larry Bird a living example of being a true friend and a great competitor. Magic will always be acknowledged as a great ambassador/and a true champion in the NBA. Their friendship through thick and thin is a lesson for all of us. I hope those that didn’t show up for Magic during that time at least learned by witnessing how these two showed up in that difficult moment.
Who in their right mind would give this video a thumb's down?! How pathetic of a human being can you be? I relish the days of watching these two greats go at it time and time again, and then come away with greater respect for each other competitors, athletes and, most importantly, human beings. 1000 thumbs up.
What gets me is not the fact that Larry called Magic. It’s the fact that Larry was just as sad and hurt and cried just like we all did when we heard Magic got HIV. Larry & Magic NBA Legends 🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏
These 2 gentlemen are pure class. I love all of the stories about them. I was a Bird fan, and a Celtic fan, but I never hated the Lakers. In fact I have so much respect for Magic and Kareem, and the Lakers at that time. The rivalry is one that we will probably never see again. It was beautiful.
You can say that I grew up in a "big Celtic-fan" household. The Magic and Bird rivalry of the 1980s transcended race throughout this nation. As an athlete, that I know. I hated Larry Bird (the player). My dad, on the other hand, loved Bird. It wasn't until Bird retired that I came to appreciate what he brought to the game - fundamentals and extraordinary court-smarts. The old saying goes "You don't appreciate a person until he or she is gone." That's so true, at least for me.
I lost a beloved friend, a world-class French horn player, to AIDS. RIP Ronald Mason. Our time performing together in the Houston Area Horn Quartet was magic!
Magic has everything he could ever want in life. Money. Fame. Respect. It just goes to show how some times a small thing like a phone call from a real friend when you really need someone to talk to eclipses all things material wealth.
When you grow up poor like Larry, you understand what brotherhood really means. Listen sometime to Bill Withers explaining the inspiration for his song, "Lean on Me." Brotherhood. Sisterhood. Being there for one another. It means something.
Both players, Magic & Bird, stood @ 6'9" (I really doubt Magic's 6'9" height. He was more like 6'8"). Both players brought championships to the their respected teams. Both players played to win not only games but championships. Both players represented both of our nation's coasts (East & West Coast, true coasts luv, not like the hip-hoppers of Tupac & Biggie days, may they RIP). Both Magic & Bird respected both black & white race respectively. Both players became the best of friends. Much luv!
These are two of the most beautiful human beings ever and they came together through all those games all those rival ships and became such close friends this is what we need right now two people who don’t see race and judge the person for who they are
I've watched many of these videos with great players telling their stories of other greats. It is comforting to see great competitors speak so warmly and respectfully about those who were their greatest rivals. I watched Magic and Larry since college. They are not just great basketball players, they are good men with good hearts.
Two top Dudes. I am privileged to have a few friends like that and I hope I am worthy of that kind of friendship. I still get choked up watching this vid for the 10th time.
I wouldn't go that far. Both had personal issues, and Magic was a serial cheater. But when it came to basketball and things concerning basketball, they carried themselves well enough. Basketball geniuses. If either pulled a Durant or Lebron and joined forces, the league woulda been over, from 80 to 91, every year one of them was in the Finals except one year[1990]...13 appearences, 8 rings
I still remember the day I heard about Magic contracting HIV back in '91. It was heartbreaking because I'd watched so many Laker games during the previous decade. I'm glad that he's still healthy,...I really miss watching him play.
I remember that too.. I was in the car with some college friends when they announced it on the radio.. I remember ED telling me.. Holy SH*T Majic got HIV and is retiring ... after that.. SILENCE....
The best writers could not have established better characters and put them in a series of dramatic circumstances and brought them to a greater climax. Truth is greater than fiction.
I just heard Barkley say when he went to jail for his DUI, one of the first people to call him was Bird.
Larry's nice he really is and he doesn't see color he's a beautiful human being
@MC Niggandhi bootyfull
Why am I laughing about this?
@@kayakonicKayakonic LOL, I don't know. You'll have to explain that to me?
@@kayakonicKayakonic you're laughing because it explains your "Character," or lack thereof, I should say.
I love that. when something bad happens to you, you find out who your real friends are. so true.
+JSwanKilowJ Yes sir. That was the TRUTH!
JSwan, absolutely. Magic was at the lowest point in his life, and his arch enemy (on the court) calls to let him know he had his back. THAT is a true friend.
Obviously Magic got choked up in this clip, but if you watch the documentary, the camera shows Larry standing in uniform before a game in Atlanta (the following game after he got the news about Magic), and his mouth/chin started quivering. Larry's personality is stoic and tough, but he just couldn't stop his sadness from showing.
Mike S oh for sure. they were men. men that learned how to get over themselves and their egos. they were brothers. and it's crazy how all his boys from back in Michigan were like "who this fucking white boy?" thinking he sucked at basketball and was probably racist, but then they didn't want anything to do with Earvin when the news broke and Bird was the first one calling him. That's love. and Larry Bird is just the fucking man. He was working on a triple double that game
JSwanKilowJ I hear ya. Although Magic and Larry realized they liked one another after shooting that Converse commercial at Larry's place in Indiana, that call by Larry meant the world to Magic, and showed him what a true friend was about by sticking with him while Magic was at his lowest point.
By contrast, when Isaiah Thomas spread some nasty rumors about Magic, that basically betrayed their friendship. If you remember, Isaiah and Magic were VERY tight, so I think that's what Magic was referring to (about knowing who your true friends are).
But I love how Larry and Magic have become very close friends, and it's great to see the raw emotion from both of them. Larry's right, they're forever linked, right to their graves...and long after that. I'm a HUGE Celtics fan (I'm from Boston), yet even when I think of Larry, or some buddies and I talk about the greats, Magic's name inevitably comes up when talking/thinking about Larry. It's just how it is.
Mike S damn straight
Larry calling Magic meant the world to Magic and you can hear it in his voice. That is a TRUE sign of friendship that goes beyond anything you can imagine.
The basketball world and a lot of his so called “friends” abandoned magic after he got aids and were very public about them not even wanting him to come back to play. To have the other biggest basketball player at that time telling him that he was behind him must have gave him hope
@@ballsonyourmomschin1781 Well as Magic said at Larry's retirement he called him a Friend Forever.
Thank you for describing emotions to us
Magic will be forever thankful to Larry Legend and Stern (who's a legend who did something precious that meant the world to Bill Russell also, for his dying wife)
Greatest Laker!
He probably told magic see I told you to leave them boys alone and you wouldn't have that shit now
As a Laker fan and Celtic hater. I give Bird all the respect and admiration for his concern of Magic in his hour of need. While his so called friends like Isiah Thomas were abandoning him, Bird showed what a real man and friend does at such a time. I'll always respect Bird for being such a stand up guy.
IT didn’t abandon him, that was fabricated
I was on the other side, Celtic fan and Laker hater. I have no doubt Magic would have done the same for Larry. Magic drove me crazy at the time but now I feel blessed to have watched that rivalry on the court and the friendship off it. A lot of people in this country could learn a lot from both of them if they would only listen.
@@uncleroku8962 He didn't "abandon him" but he sure as hell made mistakes as we all do...instead of shutting people down who accused Magic of being homosexual he added to the fire by asking those questions himself and worrying more about people thinking he may be gay himself, like Magic said Isiah knew him best he knew he wasn't gay so why fuel the rumors more..a true friend should have shut people down right away
Magic vs Bird was something special. I hate the Lakers, but I respect (and even like) the hell out of Magic. You can't love one without the other. Everything they did was better because of the competition between the two of them.
Thire friendship is what all of us hope to have.
Larry was one of the first guys to call Sir Charles when he got incarcerated for DUI. It's not only Larry's game that gets the respect of players. It's also the fact that, despite being arguably the best trash talker who's ever opened his mouth, he really is color-blind.
And caring. It would be just as cool that he reached out to Charles if they didn't have different melanin levels.
Hello Nicolas how are you doing today happy new year 🎊 god bless you as you wished….
I didn’t know Bird called Barkley.
I wish all these OG’s safety and health. Hang around awhile bros.🙏
Charles you make me laugh😄
I end my last comment by saying: May God keep both Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry "the Legend" Bird on our planet as long as possible. These two wonderful men are the symbol of black and white people competing with one another, fighting with one another, understanding one another, and,above all, loving one another. It's possible, people. It's been a pleasure and joy visiting this video post. God bless everyone.
Well said brother. Hope you are still with us.
Wow! I can't top that.
God bless you 🙏
Amen
Well said sir!
I remember when the media was hyping this rivalry up and promoting racial bias to the fans, and Bird and Magic didn't give a shit about race, it was just about winning. You got to love the fact that neither of them fed the media.
+Bradley Banford the media loves to make everything about race, its good for ratings but bad for society.
Albo Solidarietas- Yeah, exactly. It also makes ratings go up and more money get's invested in a ''Black vs White'' rivalry. It's happened for decades. The media are the main race-baiters.
Bradley Banford yup and unfortunately its starting to have a serious impact on the harmony between races, at least thats what i think
Albo Solidarietas- There will always be division between races. There will never be any kind of cure for racism and hate. Races will always have that superior feeling and competition between eachother. It's human nature.
Albo, unfortunately you're right on both counts. You're also 9000% correct about the scumbag media's role in stoking the racial flames...all for ratings and the bottom line: $$.
Thankfully, the cool irony is Bird never gave two shits about race, and Magic was cool like that as well. Ppl (black, white, etc.) who might need a reminder of how two arch enemies (Bird & Magic) on the court came to be very close friends can always watch this. No matter how many times I watch this segment (of the documentary), it always chokes me up. Just doesn't get any better :)
Soul mates, not in a sexual way, but their respect for one another and competitiveness will keep them alive forever. You really can't mention one name without the other.
@Ewolf5150 That's their choice, although my thoughts are otherwise.
“Not in a sexual way” wtf haha
@@phillipfry9765 You and the very best friend you've ever known in your life can be considered... soldiers that have fought side by side on the battlefield can be considered as well.... Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward also.... can all be considered "soulmates" because of the bond that was created whether competing against one another or defending one another's lives or the love shared that goes beyond brotherhood. Not everything in this world is about the love between man and women or men and men or women and women. There is a connection that goes any physicality. That's one of the meanings of "soul mates". I apologize to you as someone should have taught you that simple lesson a very long time ago. You're still young and it's never too late to learn. I wish you and your loved ones continued safety and health throughout the days to come.
@@thedarkstranger963 I think Phillip's point is that there was no need for you to clarify "not in a sexual way." It came across odd and defensive.
No one would have even thought of anything sexual if you hadn't brought it up yourself.
@@773SleepyHollow SOUL MATE: Usually refers to a romantic partner and/or true love. By posting "not in a sexual way" makes it clear that I am not stating Bird and Magic were lovers. Again, when people see the term "soulmate" the first thing that comes to mind is lovers.
Let’s not forget that Larry went to Magic’s house to personally see how he was doing. He had dinner with him and his family and later on shot a few baskets with him. Their friendship is something special.
Man, I can't watch this without crying. These guys saved the NBA
*NOTHING* will ever change the amount of love and respect I have for Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Off the court brothers on court LETS GO! I miss them. Best NBA EVER!
My dad, a black Mississippian-southerner man, was a die-hard Boston Celtic fan (from 1956 to his death in 94). However, his love for the Celts was nearly equal to his love for his family, not quite but close. I'm born & raised on the West Coast. Nobody couldn't believe my dad's love for the Celts. One day my dad explained to me and my brothers why he was a Celtic fan. He said that in the mid-1950s the Celts drafted a 6-foot-10 center from the University of San Francisco named Bill Russell.
bird & magic > race
I just wish people would get it, but they choose to remain hating idiots.
Love transcend race.
Respect
Human Race and beyond!!
damomand
Why would you even need to bring race up? What does that have to do with this?
This just goes to show you that, despite their intense on court rivalry, at the end of the day it's all just a game - no matter how competitive you are - and it's the people that really matter.
THIS is what MLK was talking about in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. These men judge one another by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Skin color should be ignored. That's what these men did. Respect and love was based on their judgement of the content of each other's character (and, on the court at least, the highest respect for one another's basketball abilities). Their attitudes on court directly proceeded from the character. They admired (and feared) one another as basketball players, not as white basketball players or black basketball players. If you read about other players at the time, most felt the same way: respect, admiration, and awe that was color-blind. If only more people had this kind of character, our race problems would evaporate.
Terence Doherty what was MLK thinking about as he slept with one of his mistresses. Mabe inspired I had a dream
Ro Co How do you know? Were you one of them? Were you there? The man face death every day standing up for what is right. Who gives a shit about what he did or didn't do in bed. You are a fucking moron with a meaningless life that no one will remember.
Brian Bey Brian there are many good people who make some bad choices in there lives. Magic, jfk,MLK & many other (white & black). Sometimes are hero's let us down & sometimes we let areselves down. But guess what? I'm a hunting - fishing guide who gets to see a smile on complete strangers faces 200 days a year (for the last 30 yrs) so I WILL BE REMEMBERED. So go cheat on your wife, pat yourself on the back while you look in the mirror & tell yourself how you will be remembered. Magic is a great man but was not a good husband at that time in his life.
I want a friendship like this.
Great comment. I wish we all could be this fortunate!
We all do.
This was forged in competition, 2 great men doing anything they could to beat each other at all costs, only to learn they were more alike than anyone else.
Great summation.
The timing of these two legends is one of the greatest and unique stories in sports history. Greater still is the fact they became good friends. A lesson this nation today, should look back on and ponder.
PreserveBigCats wow perfect comment
Magic & Larry, when Giants walked the earth...
+jxm1677 Great way to put it!
Well put. They STILL walk the earth. If only the rest of us--black, white, brown, whatever--could emulate them, our race problems would evaporate, and we'd finally achieve what MLK so longed for in his eloquent "I Have a Dream" speech.
We still walk and gaints can be described in alot of ways...
These two are brothers who have a love and respect for each other that is unmatched. What is even more impressive is that they are both class acts, that I wish would never age.
2 of the all time greats both are class acts!
We need more of this in today's game
+Trader865 With the current crop of NBA players I think there already is alot of it, maybe too much!No trash talking or unsportsmanlike like play just hard and honest playing to win with the utmost respect off the court.
He got aids from a woman while cheating on his wife. That is not classy.
@@austindenotter19 true but we all make mistakes
@@austindenotter19 so what? bitch got millions from magic, a glorified babysitter. If I got paid millions of dollars for having my wife gangbanged by the entire city I would. Cheat on me, I'll cry several tears on my way to the bank.
True friendship.
1,000%.
Their friendship is proof racism is taught not everyone is racist
The vast majority of people aren’t racist. It’s drummed up by the media so they can increase ratings.
race has nothing to do with this lol.
people are “racist” because of the behavior of races
Racism was invented to keep us from seeing the end game. It keeps us at each other's backs. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't want the best for ourselves and families. If God is our father, you are my brothers. And at the end of the day all we can all ask for is grace.
The people pushing the race obsession are the real sickos. There isn’t an ounce of truth in them.
Racism is as natural as skin color itself. Doesn’t mean two individuals can’t be friends or allies or have love for one another.
Back in the days when I couldn't wait for the games to be played. Today I could care less.
Amen brother. I used to be glued to the TV when the Celtics played in the 80's. Now I could care less.
@Matt Hill Get help dude.
Same here. Haven't watched in 15 yes. I grew up watching every game back then. It'll never be same
80s and 90s ❤
These are just 2 amazing men, who just happened to be the greatest basketball players of their generation. Long live friendship and Basketball!
Amazing. It's incredible to hear about the kind of support Magic got from Larry. In contrast, it was heartbreaking to hear about the lack of support shown by some of Magic's closest friends. Mainly, Isiah Thomas. (Those of you who have read Magic and Larry's book know what I'm talking about.)
+M. L. Yes sir. Very disappointing and revealing of the lack of character. Time usually eventually reveals.
micahalexis26 Amen, bro.
M. L. Magic and Larry have a book?
Great book. Bought the audio version cause I'm on the road for a living. What a phenomenal story of two of the greatest legends in sports history. Should be required reading in every school.
It's a great example of how powerful fear can be. At that time, an HIV diagnoses (in their words) meant someone grew thin and died. Magic was given a death sentence and fear drove his alleged friends away and revealed who his true friends were. The news today uses that same tool against the public and people are too readily suckered by it.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson possessed a level of genius with a basketball that I've never seen. It was a part of my growing up I'll always cherish. Thank you to both of you for your dedication to the sport and for always improving yourselves become even better players!
Hello Shannon how are you doing today happy new year 🎊 god bless you as you wished….
You can still hear the emotion in Larry's voice. What a stand up guy.
this gets me everytime. True respect and love between these two
When Bird said he didn't believe it until he heard it from Magic was profound.
Magic and Bird are the true meaning of honorable winners.They hate each other in war but respect each other drive and passion to win.Both are in a class of there own and Both are in my top 5 all time greatest players to ever play the game.How can a 6'9 point guard do everything so well with a basketball I,Q that's off the chart and guess what Larry had that same I.Q.I respect Larry even more after this.
+Corunja Marados Yep. The commercial really allowed them to open up.
They didn't hate each other in war. They feared one another. And, supreme competitors and workaholics that they were, they wanted to dominate one another, even though each knew deep down inside they probably never would.
This is so touching yet so real!! Magic and Bird will always be to me. ICONS!!!
I'll never forget the first time I saw this. I kept rewinding the part when magic said " when something happens to you..... That's a grateful friend.
I almost cried. got teary eyed.
Passed Almost full speed.
No shame in my game. I shed some tears. I can feel their love for each other, as well as the pain in Magic's voice talking about all those who left him out to dry. Two men from different races, different upbringings, different in almost every way on the outside but on the inside two of the realest human beings ever. Brotherhood is not just a word to some.
Me too..
Been a Bird fan all my life. You just made me cry, Magic. Again
Those two guys went from heated rivals to close friends. Sometimes when we open up and let someone in we discover a friendship that was waiting to blossom...😊
When these gentlemen played, that's when basketball made sense, and was passionate, and was exciting. Today's players are excellent.... outstanding athletes in fact. But there's something that lacks. That something vanished, when these 2 retired.
Very true....
DDM7406 players these days got money and no character
"no character" Largely true, but LeBron, Durant, Westbrook, Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Seth Curry, Draymond, Carmelo, Wade, Love, John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry, DeRozan, Lillard, Redick, Bayless, Kanter, and Jaylen Brown have all been publicly standing up to Trump, and that does show character.
Joseph Scott as a non-american, to me it seems you have to be braver to support trump publicly.I dont give a shit,every american president is jewish puppet and a warmonger,im just saying as i see it.And i dont think that it shows character.its easy to express your opinion when you are a millionare basketball player.
Well put my friend
The love and respect that Larry Bird has for Magic is tremendous. Love to hear these stories.
Big up to Larry bird when he came to magics retirement party and when he called magic when he contracted hiv Mad respect to him on that ....
When Larry's jersey was retired Magic showed up and called him the "greatest player ever," and Bird has since said that no, Magic is the greatest player ever.
Damn these onions..
ruclips.net/video/kTxsI0TcwW0/видео.html
Check this out
wow this moment made my heart shed tears....GREAT INSPIRATIONAL LEGENDS
Bird may have been the biggest "trash talker" but it was also apparent in how he played and overall conducted himself that he has a heart of gold.
2 legends and the greatest to ever play
Eagles fan since 2006. Excuse me?
Two warriors with totally opposite personalities who filled a big need in each other. Friends like that are worth way more than most people ever get to experience.
That's it💯💯💯
Their whole lives are joined at the hips. How many people can say that.
When one of them dies (God forbid), you just know the other is going soon after, like some kind of old couple.
Think John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
I don't know about Magic as far as racial views, but Bird claims he was accepted by a group of black guys older than he was on break from work[a restaurant] who would play ball on their break. He said that he learned a lot playing with those guys. And when Rodman said that bullshit in 1987 and isiah tried covering for the rookie asshole, Bird said he didn't care and was just mad that it distracted him from what he does, which is beat people down on the court
Bird told the public, "I... talked about it to my family and they still love Isiah Thomas," because it's good to be Larry Bird, so who gives a fuck. Bird and Magic are both grownups, which is why they've both bailed Isiah out by now about acting like a stupid kid.
In practice, the bigger man acts like the bigger man.
Magic never gave a damn about race!
Nothing better than the Bird/Magic era……..NOTHING🥇
I’ve been a die hard hockey fan and casual basketball fan until these two played in the NCAA final and then began their careers together.
Both of them reminded me of hockey players who just happened to play basketball. Team oriented tough high IQ unselfish players who made everyone on their team better, not to mention they basically saved the NBA. Today’s players owe Magic and Bird a debt of gratitude they can never repay.
This is such a great documentary watch it whenever you get the chance
Makes you think, if these guys could have a friendship like this, shouldn’t be hard for the rest of us humans to share the earth with fkn smile and extended hand.
Competition! Give it all you got and then you will have no regrets. Bonds are formed in adversity.
Can't take anything away from Larry Bird 🕊️
Magic Johnson is such a great guy. He's soft hearted and got a touch of sweetness about him. Just a pristine personality. We love you man. ❤
Then you got that dickhead larry🤣
@@adamcox6960 Nah, just don't take no shit. Tell you like it is and back it up. Don't recall anybody say nothing but great things about him. Be ayht
Hes definitely kind of a dik. 🤣 that's what makes their friendship and the story better. Magic seems like the kindest person I've seen
I have so much respect for both these titan's of basketball, showing, emotion, & how much they cared for each other 💚🧡💚🧡 This literally had me crying like a young child.......Love both of these men!!! 💚🧡💚🧡
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Competitors, rivals, but more important friends. As a lifelong Celtics fan, I have always had respect for Magic. I'm not ashamed to admit that when I heard about his HIV diagnosis I cried.
Larry is an absolutely top class guy. 2 legends doing legends things.
deep. love larry. a true great on and off the court
I was a 76er fan when Magic, and Larry came into the league. The Lakers, and Celtics kicked our ass more often than not. From the day they came into the NBA, (and in college also), mad respect to these two all stars, and their teammates. Some of the best games ever.
76er will win on 2023
Two icons! They saved the NBA and gave fans a lot great moments.
Real friendship... It's just beatiful.
Next time you're wondering if you should call someone about something tragic that's happened, remember Magic saying that Larry calling him was "the greatest moment."
It is really impressive to see the respect for one another and how each works to keep his emotions in check, as much as they could. Great rivals always start with the same thing...respect for each other as competitors
No doubt. They both literally saved the league.
I was a Celtics fan who had no use for any Laker. Now I look at Magic’s big heart and marvel. I’m so glad he’s still alive. God bless.
Larry Bird and Magic made basketball fun to watch. Thank you both❤ I haven’t watched it since y’all retired. God Bless you both real good
Thank you for entertaining us for all the years at Michigan and in the NBA Magic. Larry Bird proved to all of us, what a real friend is/does.
Mr Bird, the legend and the GOAT. Everyone else can fight for number two.
Before these two, the NBA was on life support, they brought it back to the forefront and showed how two fierce competitors could be rivals and friends. Michael Jordan came in and continued that greatness.
Wow, I just came across this and it’s one of the greatest clips I’ve ever seen. It choked me up. Maturing is a great part of life and to see 2 of the greatest respect each other to this degree means so much. I remember being a young cocky selfish person who cared for only my success but as I grew I cared less about myself and wanted those I cared about to win. It’s a more rewarding feeling
two real legends! God Bless Magic and Bird.
A case where competitors realized life was far more important than a game. Kudos to Bird and Johnson for showing how real men act.
36 year old man crying in his garage checking in
50 years old doing the same out in the barn. Cheers bud
i love this man. larry bird.
This is why he is the goat. He is the biggest trash talker ever yet he’s genuinely a great person. I have a friend just like that. It cancels out the trash talk and you laugh it off because you know who they truly are
Larry Bird is forever legend for this.
On and off the court. All Lakers fans we might hate the
Celtics but Larry always has our respect
Magic and Larry SAVED the NBA.
Michael took the baton and expanded it where it’s never been before or after.
The 3 most important basketball figures in nba history
Fear is what kept people away from doing what is right back in the day. Larry Bird a living example of being a true friend and a great competitor. Magic will always be acknowledged as a great ambassador/and a true champion in the NBA. Their friendship through thick and thin is a lesson for all of us. I hope those that didn’t show up for Magic during that time at least learned by witnessing how these two showed up in that difficult moment.
Who in their right mind would give this video a thumb's down?! How pathetic of a human being can you be? I relish the days of watching these two greats go at it time and time again, and then come away with greater respect for each other competitors, athletes and, most importantly, human beings. 1000 thumbs up.
What gets me is not the fact that Larry called Magic. It’s the fact that Larry was just as sad and hurt and cried just like we all did when we heard Magic got HIV. Larry & Magic NBA Legends 🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏
So agree with you . When you are at your lowest your true friends have your back! And are always there for you 🙏❤️
These 2 gentlemen are pure class. I love all of the stories about them. I was a Bird fan, and a Celtic fan, but I never hated the Lakers. In fact I have so much respect for Magic and Kareem, and the Lakers at that time. The rivalry is one that we will probably never see again. It was beautiful.
You can say that I grew up in a "big Celtic-fan" household. The Magic and Bird rivalry of the 1980s transcended race throughout this nation. As an athlete, that I know. I hated Larry Bird (the player). My dad, on the other hand, loved Bird. It wasn't until Bird retired that I came to appreciate what he brought to the game - fundamentals and extraordinary court-smarts. The old saying goes "You don't appreciate a person until he or she is gone." That's so true, at least for me.
Love this ✊❤️
❤
I lost a beloved friend, a world-class French horn player, to AIDS.
RIP Ronald Mason. Our time performing together in the Houston Area Horn Quartet was magic!
Two of the not only the greatest players of all time, but two great friends
NO race here. The BEST POINT GUARD and the BEST FORWARD EVER!!!
Magic has everything he could ever want in life. Money. Fame. Respect. It just goes to show how some times a small thing like a phone call from a real friend when you really need someone to talk to eclipses all things material wealth.
Well said.
They are true friends no question about that
Sooooo happy I was a teenager when these Two legendary Men were taking the World By Storm #GRATEFUL
When you grow up poor like Larry, you understand what brotherhood really means. Listen sometime to Bill Withers explaining the inspiration for his song, "Lean on Me." Brotherhood. Sisterhood. Being there for one another. It means something.
Both players, Magic & Bird, stood @ 6'9" (I really doubt Magic's 6'9" height. He was more like 6'8"). Both players brought championships to the their respected teams. Both players played to win not only games but championships. Both players represented both of our nation's coasts (East & West Coast, true coasts luv, not like the hip-hoppers of Tupac & Biggie days, may they RIP). Both Magic & Bird respected both black & white race respectively. Both players became the best of friends. Much luv!
No brother Magic is actually 6' 9"
These are two of the most beautiful human beings ever and they came together through all those games all those rival ships and became such close friends this is what we need right now two people who don’t see race and judge the person for who they are
True love and friendship is when your there for that person, and many are not.
To me, the era of Bird and Magic was the greatest era of all time.
rivalry love. the greatest love of all.
Larry has and always will be such a wonderful human being.
I've watched many of these videos with great players telling their stories of other greats.
It is comforting to see great competitors speak so warmly and respectfully about those who were their greatest rivals.
I watched Magic and Larry since college. They are not just great basketball players, they are good men with good hearts.
Two top Dudes. I am privileged to have a few friends like that and I hope I am worthy of that kind of friendship. I still get choked up watching this vid for the 10th time.
the GREATEST of RIVALS showed the GREATEST OF RESPECT to each other.mutual admiration results to the best of friends.
The hardest rivals on the court but off the court the biggest class acts.
+Matthew Vader Yes sir. Epitome of class.
I wouldn't go that far. Both had personal issues, and Magic was a serial cheater. But when it came to basketball and things concerning basketball, they carried themselves well enough. Basketball geniuses. If either pulled a Durant or Lebron and joined forces, the league woulda been over, from 80 to 91, every year one of them was in the Finals except one year[1990]...13 appearences, 8 rings
CLASS AT ITS BEST! A BARRY SANDERS MOMENT IN THE NBA...OUTSTANDING!!!
true brotherhood...tears..emotional...two of the best...
2 guys who are REAL role models for all kids
I still remember the day I heard about Magic contracting HIV back in '91. It was heartbreaking because I'd watched so many Laker games during the previous decade. I'm glad that he's still healthy,...I really miss watching him play.
I remember that too.. I was in the car with some college friends when they announced it on the radio.. I remember ED telling me.. Holy SH*T Majic got HIV and is retiring ... after that.. SILENCE....
I love Magic Johnson and so glad he still with us.
The best writers could not have established better characters and put them in a series of dramatic circumstances and brought them to a greater climax. Truth is greater than fiction.