For some, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird might be remembered as two of the most fierce rivals on the NBA hardwood. However, their mutual respect transcended their on-court competition. Despite battling it out in three NBA Finals and several regular-season contests characterized by intense physicality and bad blood between their respective teams, the bond between the two three-time MVPs remained strong.
This was evident when the Indiana native defied the orders from his doctor and undertook a lengthy flight to attend the ceremony honoring Johnson's jersey retirement by the LA Lakers .
Bird embraced Magic Johnson on his jersey-retirement night
The dawn of the 1990s marked the beginning of the end for Bird and Magic. While the LA Lakers had to abruptly call an end to his career after contracting HIV, the Boston Celtics forward was suffering extensively due to back issues and made it clear that the 1991-92 campaign would be his last.
On February 16, 1992, the Purple and Gold held a ceremony during halftime of their game against the Celtics to retire Magic's jersey number. Despite being sidelined due to a back injury and strictly condemned to taking any lengthy lights, Bird disregarded all medical recommendations and took a trip to the West Coast to participate in the ceremony.
Interestingly, the Lakers' home crowd, which had bluntly jeered Larry throughout the '80s, gave him a standing ovation when he was introduced to the ceremony.
That wasn't the only act of love in the ceremony. The two-time Finals MVP also presented Magic with a fragment on the Boston (TD) Garden's floor and assured the crowd that their time on the same court was far from over.
"Magic, you never wore the green and white, but you'll always be a part of our family," Bird said . "But, he's not done yet. We're going to Barcelona and bring back the gold."
Magic acknowledged Bird making the long trip
While the Lakers point guard was evidently emotional to see all the love he received from fans, teammates, and even his former rivals, he took the time to especially thank Larry. Despite all odds, the Celtics forward came to be a part of his special night.
"I want to thank Larry Bird for making a special trip," Magic said. "Too bad we couldn't go on forever. I enjoyed so many of these battles... Thank you, Larry, for bringing the best out of Magic Johnson."
While the fans and the basketball world would see many rivals in the NBA in the coming years, not many would be as respectful and exciting to one another as Magic and Larry were.
Related: "I go by success" - Why Larry Bird said Magic Johnson was a better player than him
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