thumb|upright|Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson (pictured) is often credited with popularizing the NBA. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports." Their rivalry began in college, when Bird and Indiana State lost to Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game. Their rivalry continued on in the revived Celtics–Lakers rivalry in the NBA. Either the Celtics, led by Bird, or the Lakers, led by Magic, were present in every NBA Finals series in the '80s, with Bird and Magic meeting thrice. Magic got the upper hand against Bird, beating him in 1985 and 1987, while Bird beat Magic in 1984.
thumb|upright|Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson (pictured) is often credited with popularizing the NBA Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are known to be "one of the greatest rivalries in sports" Their rivalry began in college when Bird and Indiana State lost to Johnson and Michigan State in the NCAA Championship game Their rivalry continued on in the revived Celtics–Lakers rivalry in the NBA Either the Celtics led by Bird or the Lakers led by Magic were present in every NBA Finals series in the '80s with Bird and Magic meeting thrice Magic got the upper hand against Bird beating him in 1985 and 1987 while Bird beat Magic in 1984