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Whenever the name Magic Johnson is mentioned, the next name that comes to mind for NBA fans is that of Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Larry Bird. Conversations about either party often result in the other being brought up.
The LA Lakers legend highlighted this in his the New York Times bestseller, "When The Game Was Ours." In the book, which was co-authored by Bird and Johnson, the guard complained about not being able to get away from conversations about Bird and that the same holds true for the forward.
He revealed that he was never asked about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but was constantly questioned about Bird, a three-time NBA champion.
"I can't get away from Larry. I bet he can't get away from me either," Johnson said. "I run into fans all the time, and the first thing they want to know is, 'Have you seen him? Have you talked to Larry?' No one ever asks me about Kareem or James Worthy or Bryon or Coop. It's always Larry. We've gotten used to that."
The impact Larry Bird had on the NBA
Larry Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in 1978. The forward decided to remain in college and debuted in the 1979-1980 season. In his rookie season, he led the Celtics to a 61-21 record in the regular season after averaging 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.7 steals.
His charge for an NBA championship title in his rookie season was halted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, he clinched the Rookie of the Year award and led the Celtics to the title in his sophomore season.
"Larry Legend," as he is fondly named, made the All-Star team for the entirety of his career except in 1989. He spent his entire career representing the Celtics and won three NBA championship titles with the franchise. He clinched three MVP and two Finals MVP awards, and was also named the MVP for the 1982 All-Star Game. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Guess the Lakers players!
