Bird admitted his brothers and mother were fond of the LA Lakers guard.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were considered the cream of the crop among college basketball talents, and they were linked with one another ever since they locked horns in the 1979 NCAA Championships Game. As they transitioned to the NBA and assumed leadership roles on two of the most storied NBA teams, their rivalry only intensified.
However, it wasn’t until they collaborated for a Converse commercial that they seemingly bridged the gap off the court and developed a newfound understanding of each other.
Bird joked about having plans to beat up Magic
Though the superstars didn’t talk to each other throughout the actual shoot, Bird surprised Magic by extending an invitation to Johnson to his home for lunch.
While such a gesture might seem suspicious coming from a fierce competitor – when asked about his motive by interviewer Dave Letterman, the three-time NBA Champ responded in his trademark sarcastic style, suggesting how he had plans to confront the LA Lakers guard.
“Well, I had my brothers there I was going to fight him,” Bird joked. “If I couldn’t whip him surely one of them could.”
However, in a more serious tone, the two-time Finals MVP confessed that not only his mom and brothers were thrilled to host Magic, but the entire town of French Lick buzzed with excitement at the prospect of welcoming the greatest point guard.
That commercial forged a rock-solid friendship
Although Johnson confessed his initial hesitation about going to Bird’s house and had intended to have lunch alone in his trailer, everything changed when Larry’s mom welcomed him with a warm hug at the doorstep. Moreover, her declaration that he was her favorite player instantly melted away any tension, leaving Johnson with a sense of fondness.
Magic and Larry learned about each other’s humble origins and shared values as they shared a meal, realizing they had more in common than they had thought. This revelation eventually led the former No. 1 pick to acknowledge that a new sense of brotherhood had emerged between them that day.