Larry Bird v.s. Magic Johnson?

Question

Some might argue that Larry is better because he was a better shooter and had to play in a harder conference. Some will say Magic because he can play all 5 positions and led his team to more NBA finals.

Who do you think is better?

Answer 1

This was the classic matchup that brought many fans to NBA basketball in the 80's. Magic vs. Bird, Lakers vs. Celtics. So many great matchups. Two great teams. It's hard to measure them individually because they both played on great teams with so many stars.

But, if it's just Magic vs Bird, I'd take Bird. Mostly because he's a stone cold killer at the end of games. Even Magic conceded that Bird was the only guy in the league he ever had to worry about. Both are awesome playmakers. Both have a passion for the game that was hard to match. Both made their teammates better. Magic probably had more mobility, but Bird was versatile as well. Remember that Bird had Dennis Johnson on his team, who was a Finals MVP with the Sonics even before coming to the Celtics. So Bird never had to worry about playmaking from the point guard position, they already had DJ. But Bird loved to pass too.

Bird was the better defender as well. Perhaps it would be a better debate if Magic was a small forward in the NBA, so then his size would be better for his defense. But Bird was clearly the better shooter/scorer. Perhaps Magic never had to be, and yes, Magic had some huge games in the clutch. Magic had the baby hook as well, but Bird could hit from anywhere, and his high release more than made up for his lack of vertical jump.

Magic has more championships, but I think the Lakers teams had more talent. Both are awesome players, so you can't go wrong either way, but I would pick Bird.

Answer 2

Magic. He was a more complete and versatile player. Magic changed the game and introduced "Showtime" and brought the fast pace and flash to the game. He revolutionized the point guard position while Larry, even though he was very good was mainly just a jump shooter. He couldn't really put the ball on the floor and make things happen. Magic has made some of the greatest passes in the game and this was back in the 80's. Between Magic's assist and points he was responsible for an average of 54.85 points for every 48 minutes of basketball in his career. That is amazing production and among the tops ever in the NBA. I think that speaks for itself.

Answer 3

Magic Johnson may be the best player ever. Food for thought: Johnson's rookie year they were in the 1980 NBA championship against the Philadelphia 76er's. In game 5 Abdul Jabbar sustained an injury during his 40 point effort to put the Lakers ahead 3 games to 2. Coach Paul Westhead asked the 20 year old rookie (Johnson) to switch to center from point guard since it was announced that Kareem would not be able to go in game 6. He responded with a championship clinching performance. His 42 point 15 rebound 6 assist effort earned him the NBA championship MVP. The first rookie to do so. I believe as far as all around skill he is the best that ever played the game. Yep better than Jordan.

Answer 4

I believe Bird was better.....Although the C's had the Big 3 (Parish, Bird, McHale)......The C's also had DJ Johnson for the last 2 championships.....
I think Magic was surrounded by better players..(Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott, Cooper, A.C. Green, )......

Bird was an excellent passer for a small foward......one of the best ever and he averaged 9.9 career rebounds to go with 24 points a game............

What hurt the Celtics the most in the 80's were the bad coaches they had starting with Bill Fitch for there 1981 championship then K.C. Jones for the 84 and 86 championship..........after him they hired Rogers and finally Chris Ford finished out the early 90's...
The Lakers had Riley for four out of five of there championships in the 80's

Answer 5

Bird was always considered a better player than Magic when they were playing.. Bird is only 1 of 3 players to win 3 straight MVPs.... Some people starting saying Magic was better only after he got HIV in 1991. Look in any encylopedia in the 1980's and they say that Bird is considered the best all around player in the NBA...

Answer 6

Bird was probably a better player, mainly because he was more of an offensive threat, and almost as good of a passer. Magic was a little better defensively. Yes magic could play all five positions, but he rarely actually did this, and the usefulness of that is debateable. But the difference between them is small in any case.

Answer 7

one of the all-time best discussion, bird vs magic.

bird once said magic is unbelievable. while magic said he fear only larry bird. while both player will go down as the most unselfish players in NBA history, they still shine when the game is on the line. but i will still go to Larry Bird because he's one of the best clutch player in history and he's more of a scorer compared to Magic.

and yes, the Celtics have a harder conference compared to Lakers because i remember Larry Bird once said in an interview that the reason why the Lakers have more finals appearance is because they don't have an opponent comparable to Dr.J's Sixers or Isiah's Pistons.

Answer 8

Larry Bird

Answer 9

Hey Master T,

i think the Magic vs Bird matchup has always been measured by the number of titles. Magic had 5 titles to Bird's three and Magic might have had at least one more title, had there not been an injury to Byron Scott and Magic during one of the series vs Detroit.

Magic Won in college, and magic won more often head-to-head.

They were both wonderful players- and i think you'd find Magic in more people's top ten then others- he really revolutionized the game.

That's my two cents...

Nickster

Answer 10

Magic Man will kill Bird. Only because Larry was a better shooter don't mean that he's better. Johnson can play all positions and still beat Bird's ***.