Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two of the greatest players in NBA history, will receive lifetime achievement awards at the NBA awards on June 24, per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will together receive the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award at the NBA Awards on June 24, TNT announces. #Celtics #Lakers
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) May 15, 2019
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were two of the defining superstars of the 1980s and their duels in the Playoffs throughout the decade were the defining matchups of that era of the NBA. To have them both honored at the NBA awards on the same night is only fitting due to how inextricably linked the two players were throughout their careers.
When comparing resumes, it is hard to discern which player had a better career. Both players ended their careers with 12 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA selections. Magic just edged Larry Legend in All-Star Game MVPs (2 to 1), but Bird was the far better defender with a 3-0 advantage in All-Defensive Teams.
Bird beat out Magic in terms of Rookie of the Year voting in 1979-80, though both were named to the All-Rookie First Team.
Where Magic truly has a commanding lead is in NBA Championships. In the “rings culture” that today’s NBA is shrouded in, NBA Titles is a major factor in a player’s legacy, and Magic is extremely proven in this category.
Johnson beats out Bird 5-3 in terms of Finals wins and 3-2 in terms of Finals MVP awards.
In the end, both players are sublime talents, and the NBA will honor their achievements in June on TNT.
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