Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Magic Johnson Makes Announcement with Larry Bird

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 9:54 PM ET

Magic Johnson became one of the greatest players in NBA history during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. From 1979 to 1991, Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships, earning three MVP awards and 12 All-Star selections along the way. However, one player rivaled Johnson throughout the 1980s, Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird.

The rivalry began in 1979, when Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans defeated Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA championship game. Fittingly, both stars were later drafted by longtime NBA rivals, and the Magic-Bird rivalry only intensified. The two met three times in the NBA Finals, with Bird winning the first matchup in 1984 before Johnson captured titles in 1985 and 1987.

While Johnson finished his career with more championships, Bird still cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats in Boston. He led the Celtics to three NBA titles, won three MVP awards and earned 12 All-Star selections, matching Johnson in both individual honors.

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (right) hugs former Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird (left) during a press conferenceBob Donnan-Imagn Images

And on Tuesday, Johnson shared that he and Bird recently spoke together at the Axon Company Kickoff in Phoenix, Arizona, where the two discussed their historic rivalry in front of a crowd of 4,000. The annual event is described as a “tradition that fuels our mission to protect life and strengthens our connection as a global team,” featuring multiple keynote speakers.

"Larry Bird and I spoke to an amazing audience of 4,000 at the Axon Company Kickoff today in Phoenix, Arizona," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "We had the crowd going crazy and they ate up all the stories about our rivalry! Thank you to Axon Enterprise CEO Rick Smith and Axon President Josh Isner for having us today! This was an incredible event for Josh because he idolized Larry Bird growing up."

View this post on Instagram

Magic and Bird’s rivalry has remained relevant to this day. In 2010, HBO released a documentary titled “Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals.” The rivalry was also prominently featured in the 2022 series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” a dramatized biographical show starring John C. Reilly and centered on the Magic-era Lakers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: