Larry Bird & Magic Johnson on David Letterman Part 2 (REACTION) RIVALS TO BEST FRIENDS! 

It was a death sentence back then, alot of friends and teammates walked away from magic not Larry 🐐🐐

I remember watching Magic's press conference and when he said he was still going to be around a long time, I just thought, "oh, honey...". Never did most of us think he'd still be around in ten years, much less in 2022. Happy to be proven wrong.

I have Bird ahead by a hair but I would never argue with someone who picked Magic. They were two of the greatest to ever lace em up.

Nine years was even optimistic, in the earlier days of the AIDS crisis it could be significantly less than that. When Magic announced that he was retiring it was partially because other players were refusing to play with him; people didn’t understand a lot about HIV back then. Thank God we know more now, and thank God Magic is still with us.

I loved it when Larry said thanks Dave.

I think Bird had the slight edge over Magic. Bird had a more complete game, and even made three all -defensive teams. Magic never made one. Magic averaged more assist, but Bird didn't have the touches Magic had. Look at Bird's passing hight vids, and you can see he was as much of a passing genius as Magic. Great vid! Do more Bird and Magic, bro!!

About the HIV/AIDS - yes, it was like that. Up to 9 years from initial diagnosis *if* it was caught early. If it wasn’t detected early enough, they might not know until the first really serious symptoms. (For example, Freddie Mercury of the band Queen wasn’t diagnosed until 1987… but he’d been having chronic throat infections for a few years before that… so Freddie was probably in full AIDS by the time he got tested. He died in 1991, so only 4 years between diagnosis and a horrible death). In this same era, I lost 3 of my performing arts friends to AIDS.

I’m all about Bird, but I can still respect those who pick Magic - both guys were great, and their rivalry was the stuff of legend.

Not only is 'Courtship of Rivals ' a classic, but also 'Best of Frenemies' is a great documentary about the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. #BirdGang

Man, with all the racism and hate in this world today, I'm so grateful to see two men, regardless of skin colour, respect and acknowledge each other. They make me want to be a better person. We all need a little Magic and Bird in our lives right now. #peace #love #respect

Two GOATS of the game! Let's go!!

Their competition and comradery is the all-time best rivalry in NBA history. I love both these men. Good video man.

It was a death sentence back then thank God Magic is here 👍🙏💙

19:12 - Boston man here, die-hard Larry Bird fan back in the day…. and yeah, to answer your question, hearing that you were HIV positive back then absolutely WAS a death sentence. The overall thought was that something as simple as the common cold could bring you from HIV to full-blown AIDS and once you got there, it was just a matter of time before you died. Now, obviously, it’s a very manageable disease, but not so during the 80s and early 90s. I thank God Magic Johnson is still around; even as a Celtics fan.

HenDawgz, so happy for you getting an autographed pair of Magic Johnson shoes. Darn, I'm envious. Those puppys would be on display in my curio treated like a precious gem. You're a cool dude, again, so happy for you. You must feel a special honor to have received them. Love this Letterman episode. These two men are really so cool with each other. Magic and Bird, people wise my favorite all time players.

Bird is naturally funny

Awesome reaction...got me in tears...

Prop's to Letterman for keeping his comments brief and letting these two legends talk. I'm not his biggest fan, but I'm guessing Dave knew that getting Bird on a talk show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Larry does great interviews; he is funny, witty and he'll ALWAYS give you his honest opinion, whether you like it or not but I doubt if he would have done any of this without Magic being there. There's a comfort and trust factor between these two guys that is really solid. This was a great show and your reactions and interpretations were spot on! I'm old enough to have watched all of this develop and play out in the day and for these two to have this friendship is really cool.

Magic was his warface. Irving was him being himself.

That's Larry Legend 🐐☘️

When magic first had his press conference telling the world he was HIV positive not a lot was known about the disease and a lot of basketball players didn’t want to play with him because as I said not a lot was not about aids at that point we knew it was a death sentence so a lot of basketball players were scared to play with magic but Larry told magic whatever you need I’m there for you

Got to think this is in the 80's too. Men didn't show emotions. Magic smiling all the time thinking I'm bout to find out how to get to him. Bird and magic both didn't want to be vulnerable around one another. The best basketball story in history. They are true friends

I respect your choice but I would have to pick Bird. Bird took an ISU team his senior year to an undefeated record in the Missouri Valley ( not as good as the Big Ten) and then in the NCAA tournament upset Oklahoma, then Arkansas and then Depaul before losing to MSU. ISU had the #1 ranking only because they were the only undefeated team in the country and the polls were kind of forced to put ISU as #1 even though there were many teams thought to be better. Bird as a rookie went to a 29 win team and with an almost identical roster was the main reason Boston won 61 games = a 32 game improvement. Magic went to a 47 win playoff team and helped LA win 60 games - a 13 game improvement and get LA a ring. As rookies Bird had a better season and was the ROY. A healthy Bird in the next 8 seasons finished significantly ahead of Magic in 7 of those seasons for the MVP, and had a run of 3 MVP's in a row. I think Magic answered the question the best with the better Forward and better Guard statement - but if you are asking me to choose one over the other, then Bird's ability and desire to hit the last second shot, and his superior shooting and scoring and rebounding and defense tip the scale for Bird, because Bird was also a phenomenal passer! For those that do not know a young Bird was selected to 3 all defense teams ( 2nd team) and in 1983 finished tied for 3rd place for the DPOY award. Bird led the league in defensive win shares 4 times and was 7 times in the top 5. Here is a link to a photo from the November 9th issue of Sports Illustrated 1981 on page 84 of Bird blocking Kareem's skyhook. vault.si.com/vault/1981/11/09/70982#&gid=ci0258c132a001278a&pid=70982---102---image

Good to see you again After 2 weeks 🔥❣️

It’s always good when you get those 2 in the same room

Two great videos Dawg!!! Loved them

I'm damn old and watched these guys go at it first-hand. Die hard Celtics fan who hated the fact that I loved Magic almost as much as Larry. Great reaction to two competitors who defined the beauty of pure competition. Respect. And to answer the question, Larry is the better player - but it is HARD to say it. Magic deserves just as much respect as anyone who has ever touched a ball.

It was a death sentence. I was a model in New York. I lost so many friends to Aids. I was so devasted I moved back to Michigan. I just couldn't go to another funeral.#birdgang Bird is better. I saw a lot of games in person and Magic is right. Bird played with great players too but Kareem and Worthy were better. Bird played with teams that all five starters could give you twenty every night and Larry made sure they got their chance. There is a reason though that so many players love to tell Larry Bird stories and that is because you couldn't believe he was real. The crazy shots he made to win a game were unreal. Only Jordan had that unreal quality to him too.

Irving was a humbled Mid west kid . Magic was flashy LA . Magic always wanted the spotlight. That’s what made him so great . He knew how to combine hard working never quit Midwest with Hollywood bright lights

You know that question as to who was better was like super tough! And I’m a huge Showtime Laker fan!!

Love Larry bird

Just watched your video! Thanks for doing this! 2 Classy Guys that love each other like Brothers! Celtics fan!

From a Laker fan. I love them both!!!

Good explanation on their passing abilities I was thinking same thing when you started talking about it as both were quite good

Yes....AIDS was still pretty much a death sentence at that point......but it was starting to get better, and Magic had access to the newest and best treatment! This was so good!

Magic is the competitor, hollywood personality, showtime la laker glamour. Ervin is who he really is as a human and a person

Back then, HIV was a New Disease which, took the lives of many. So, doctors and scientists, were working around the clock, to create treatments to combat the disease (HIV was highly Contagious). People were fearful. Today however, it is easily treatable. I believe, it took more than a decade to come up with the right treatment. Hope that helps. And thank you for sharing your talent in making these wonderful clips.❤🎉

☘️ Larry Legend

That's exactly what it was back in the 80's and 90's. If you have HIV, you're a goner. Remember Ez E? That's why you gotta respect Larry for staying by Magic's side all these years. Nothing but class from both these legends...

Great video! I'll tell you another one. The 30for30 on the Miami Hurricanes.

Bird was the better player, but Magic had a better career.

Big up #coachHendawg. Back in the days, when you hear someone has AIDS it was a death sentence, Magic was one of the first to have beaten it. Peolple thought you could get HIV or AIDS from kissing, touching someone, sweat and so on. We were not very educated on the matter.it wiped out a lot of people, for perspective; the anxiety would have been almost like Covid. Larry is still the better trash talker, but I can listen to Magic tell stories all day long. #MagicalBirdgang

Magic is simply the GOAT. To be the GOAT in a team sport you have to be able to play all 5 positions. And Magic did. What he did as a rookie, on the road at Philly, against Dawkins, Dr. J , He started at Center, and played all 5 positions on the biggest stage as a rookie. 42 points, 15 boards and 7 assists? Wilt cant play point guard, and Jordan cant play center. Magic is the GOAT. 5 RINGS IN THE 80S. When the Bulls won their 6, they changed the rules and the Western conference was weak. Magic is the GOAT.

I'm from Lansing MI and grew up in the Magic Johnson/Larry Bird college championship '79 and through all of the 80s and 90s. Went to Magics rivalry High School Eastern. I still believe today what I believed then. Magic was amazing but Larry Bird was the best.

If we’re down a point, or two or three… I want Bird taking the shot. But to start a game, setting up the offense and leading the break… Magic.

Slight edge to Bird, but I have no argument if you said they were equals.

The Celtics were not as good a team overall as Magic's Lakers were. Honestly the fact that bird got one Championship off that Lakers team was pretty impressive. That being said had the Lakers not got beat by the rockets in '86, it likely would have been tied two and two because that Celtics team was not going to lose to the Lakers in '86. I'm taking Larry who I think is better but not by much

Bird is the best all-around player ever to play, imo. Magic is the best PG ever to play, imo. When Kobe Bryant was asked to name his Starting 5 All Time team, he said: PG: Magic SG: Jordan SF: Bird PF: Russell C: Wilt (though, he said Kareem was right there a close 2nd). But the other 4 for him were immediate answers w/ no qualifiers. *Kobe's interview is on YT **Great reactions to both Parts 1 & 2, brother.

It is a very good documentary!

I love that man spreading. Yum.

Bird was the better all around player! As for toughness...Bird has proven that throughout his entire BB career! He played with such determination & heart ...you just don't see that anymore!

Larry Legend 🐐☘️

There is no answer as to who is better. They're on the exact same level.

Bird's shooting and toughness make him better

I’m a Larry bird fan! but if you had to pick one, you couldn’t go wrong with either one!

The answer to your question is Larry Bird ...and as to the HIV thing...I'm 43...i remember as a kid in the 80s, HIV meant you eventually got AIDS and then you died shortly after...the "9 year" thing I never heard...great vid btw...

#birdgang

For a lot of people it was less than 9 years. But at the time all the medicine and drugs that could be helpful were all in the experimental stages and magic being rich it was a lot easier for him to afford the best drugs and treatments, which now is the norm to an extent, but back then it was still a very misunderstood decease

Another great reaction. Did you have a scholarship for college? Are you picking Magic over Bird because you like Magic better? Because he would be fun to be around? I don't where Magic has more skill or weapons in his arsenal. Passing: they're both are equal. Shooting: Bird Rebounding: Bird Steals: Bird Blocks: Bird Defense: Bird Making teammates better: Bird because Magic was surrounded by talent. Larry made a team of journeyman hall of famers. I don't see your argument. I think it comes down to whose more fun.

I never heard of the 9 years but for sure it was a death sentence. Thank you modern medicine.

One of the all-time best plays was Bird versus Rodman in 1988. First off, they're fighting each other for rebounds all game but at one point, Bird is backing Rodman up slowly and talking nonstop shit to him, then hits a fade away jumper. Another favorite is watching AI crossover Jordan so bad he's knees went clack. I also like that particularly one because Jordan went to Chapel Hill and the Tarheels suck.

Larry was the better individual player than Magic. #BirdGang

Birdgang. To quote shaq “a-aaa a-aaah”

9 years with aids back then was optimistic. People would die weeks after diagnosis

I love that they both give each other the nod as to who is the better player. Two class acts right there! Players and people in general need to be taking notes on what it is to be truly great. And on the HIV thing - yeah, it was a death sentence. The '80s and '90s sucked as far as that went. Nothing like "coming of age" in an era where sex can kill you! And there was so much misinformation about how it spread too. It was a double-edged sword when Magic got it because, of course, you don't want to see this great man contract something like that, but it also opened up the valve so that people could talk about it and the reality and knowledge about the actual disease finally came to light.

Bird is the GOAT

Bird Gang! But I ADORE magic! He’s my favorite personality in sports post his career

HIV and AIDS was a decrease that was fairly new. There was hardly no information on this decease. A lot of people were dying from this decease, and people literally thought that Magic was going to get skinny and die.

Nine years? That's for those with early detection. Most people did not get tested for it. Most didn't last a year back then. My friend lasted 9 months. Same year he was diagnosed.

Do you read these comments? I was there, I am a lifetime Laker and I was 29 when the news came out about Magic's HIV. Yes, It was a death sentence, and it wasn't 9 years. It was 5 years tops, and less for most. As far as I was concerned he was a dead man walking. I cried my fucking eyes out when that came across. Im in film production, and at the time I was working on a film in Mexico, and one of our actresses was Mitch Kupcheks Fiance, lakers GM. She saw me wearing a Laker shirt and she asked upon meeting if I liked the Lakers. like "Hell yeah, lakers are life" and she said Magic had AIDS. I could have slapped her right there. Then 3 days later the announcement happened, and we cried together in the hotel lobby. I thought he was going to die any day. Just a horrible memory in my life

Career I go with magic. Both at their peak I go with Larry.

9 years was acctually a stretch. There was a social death that was immediate and unfortunatly still exists.

At that time AIDS was associated with only gay men and everyone thought Magic was gay and everyone just abandoned Magic. Even Magic's teammates stayed away from him but Larry was with Magic all the way. Thats something special.

Yes it was true back then!!

Yes it was a death sentence back then

I grew up a Pistons fan in their primes. So I saw a lot of Magic and Bird in those historic playoff series. If you take away style, they were nearly identical players. Magic had a better iso package and handle, and Bird was a better shooter. Bird was a better man defender, Magic was a better off-ball defender. Both were great leaders and both were awesome in the clutch. But who was better? Flip a coin any given day. Some times it comes up heads, some times it comes up tails. It's still the same coin every time.

Yes. Terrible fear and uncertainty about HIV in those days. People were even unsure of how you could get it. Through casual touch? Drinking water from a fountain? People generally assumed it was a death sentence. Bravo, Magic!!!!

I remember it. It was a panic as we saw our gay friends and neighbors, then a wider community, absolutely wither away. It was scary. We didn't know how the exposure worked for a little while.

It was absolutely a death sentence! You were on borrowed time...and never mind the really early years when people thought you could get it from mosquitoes or using the same toliet seat. Sounds ridiculous now but back in the mid to late 80s people were terrified.

These 2 were the reason I watched the NBA. I'm a Celtics fan so would always slightly favor Larry. But Magic was just incredible. They did "save" the NBA. No doubt in my mind.

In 91 having hiv was a DEATH SENTENCE Magic was the first to survive!!! The song another one bites the dust is about all the people dying aids 😢

Back then, everyone thought that you could catch HIV if the person was bleeding and you touched the blood. So, obviously, playing a physical game like basketball was seen as a risk to other players if you had HIV and you got a cut during the game. There was not a lot known about HIV back then. I remember when Magic returned for one final year after his retirement, and the Lakers played the Portland Trailblazers in a preseason game in Hawaii. I actually got to see Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Clyde Drexler play in person. I wish I still had the pictures I took that day.

9 years my ass. Most people then thought 9 months, 2 years if you were lucky.

I highly suggest you look up AID's in the 80's.

Bird’s father committed suicide right before he was drafted.

Ya mostly a death sentence now a days u can live with it

Buddy I lived it I watched it I'm 61 I was in my 20s it was absolute death sentence back then it scared everybody that was in that lifestyle or knew somebody that was

Larry Joe Bird 100%

Can you imagine Magic and Bird on the same NBA team?

back then we just didnt know bout hiv/aids it was new it was scary

larry was tough

Man let me tell you about AIDS in the 80’s. At first it was more about gay people, but that didn’t last long, and it spread to everyone. I was a teenager back then when lost my virginity to a girl with a bit of a body count, and I was scared to death I might have it. You might think I’m being a bit dramatic about it, but it took a lot to knock me off balance back then, and that fear was legit. To put it in terms you might get, it was a bit like Covid, but without the masks and lockdowns. The main difference being if you got Covid, it’s much like the flu, and chances are you’ll be just fine, but with AIDS it attacked the immune system, so if you were HIV positive back then, and you caught the flu, your immune system couldn’t fight it off and you were going to die.

When you ask, "Who is the better player?" You need to know full well their statistics and game play. Larry Bird was a great passer, inside outside scorer. He was great with assists. More importantly, he was the best three point shooter. He made the all defensive team 2 or 3 times and stole the ball more. Larry was also a great defensive offensive rebounder. So, he was the better all around player. Magic wasn't a great outside shooter and he just couldn't compare to Larry Legend. Also HIV back then WAS a death sentence. There was no cure or any good treatment. Worldwide, people understood that. It had nothing to do with Magic being Magic.

To answer your AIDS question? YES! Back in those days, this diagnosis meant you would die sooner than later. Period. As a child of the 70s & 80s, YES! Absolutely the mentality of that time. Also, being born in 1979 myself and never giving one crap about Bball back then, the NBA was in serious trouble and I firmly believe that both Bird and Magic SAVED the entire league! And only being about 8-9 yrs old and hearing about this draftee from ISU named Larry Bird just signing with Boston, got me interested in the game for the first time and I feel privileged knowing that I grew up watching ALL these games that are now being highlighted for a younger generation that really doesn't understand how the game was in those days once B and M came along. I mean players, including Bird left the court with blood on their uniforms sometimes. More like watching hockey or football with how rough and tough it all was. But yes, Bird was always my favorite even though I had major respect for many on the Lakers team, like Magic and Kareem. It was Bird that actually got me interested in the game and then making me a decent shooter myself after hours of lonely practice at our regulation height hoop ok our driveway. Me, a little short (altho athletic) 5'3 1/2" white girl. Larry inspired me to pick up a basketball.. period. Even though it was to test myself, it certainly helped me when I needed it and I've always felt grateful to Bird for just that much, alone. 🥰❤️👍

Was a death sentence. 9 was high

Larry Bird

I pick Bird because of shooting, but oh man Magic could pass that thang way ahead of his time,

I don't think you can say if Bird or Magic was better. They both played different styles and Magic was perfect for the Lakers and Bird was perfect for the Celtics. Both made their teammates better, which I think the players of today do not do. I think Bird was asked to do a little more than what Magic, though. Bird had to rebound and he was the Celtics' number one offensive threat. Magic was more of a facilitator and had Kareem to throw the ball into the post for the sky hook. The Lakers also had much less competition all those years in the West so they had easier routes to the Finals. The Eastern Conference was very physical and competitive with the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and later the Chicago Bulls; so the Celtics were always beat up come playoff time.

Larry Legend was better but I loved Magic

Was hoping that this Reaction video would improve the experience of watching this iconic interview. Unless you are targeting a slightly “slow” audience how on earth do you think you improved our experience ?