Larry Bird, Magic Johnson started NBA careers 47 years ago

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

47 years ago, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson officially began their NBA careers and one of the league’s greatest rivalries Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: Larry Bird and Magic Johnson entered the NBA 47 years ago. Their debuts marked the start of one of the league's greatest rivalries.

Why it matters: Magic Johnson and Bird became linked as rivals from the outset of their pro careers. That pairing remains a standard reference for later league rivalries.

What to watch: Preseason play continues ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-12T13:10:26.441249+00:00

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