Larry Bird and Magic Johnson reminisce about NCAA, NBA rivalry

The NBA was at its lowest point of interest since its founding, and in danger when Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird and his counterpart on the Los Angeles Lakers, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, arrived to revive the league with their famous rivalry.

It dovetailed nicely onto the history of battles in the NBA finals between the two storied franchises and breathed new life into the Association, a momentum that still propels the NBA of today. Dating to even before they joined their respective teams in the Eastern and Western conferences, the two battled in the NCAA title game in the spring before they were drafted.

Watch the video linked below from the official ESPN archival YouTube channel to hear the duo wax nostalgic about their long friendship off the court — and intense battles on it.

Check it out for yourself above.

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