When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin MagicJohnson and Jackie MacMullan (Pages 169-254)

SUMMARY:
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, both fill with hunger to beat each other in the NBA Series. Their hatred and dislike of each other builds and the rivalry of Celtics-Lakers continues to rise, but both had to still meet off the court. Both NBA Stars are part of Converse sneakers endorsement, so Magic Johnson had to go to Larry Bird's house to do this. Johnson knew his coach wouldn't like him near their nemesis but the two got together and sold the Lakers gold and purple and Celtics black Converse sneakers. Because of this commercial "Choose Your Weapon" sponsored by Converse, the two would never talk to each other.
Once they both were in Larry Bird's summer house's basement alone(that's were the commerical is shot) they both talked about their family and they found out the had a lot in common. They both wanted money, wanted more when they becomes free agents. Both of them wants to work hard for their money, they like earning it than asking for it. Larry Bird never asked his mom for money even if she insist she can provide. Johnson's family was poor, much like the Bird family, Johnson's dad collected trash and earn what he can. Larry Bird's father killed himself because he wanted Larry's mom, Larry and his brother to have a source of money. Larry Bird thought it was his own decision, never thought much about it except thinking he just abandoned them in a way. Their convosation started to grow during the time in the basement.
Magic Johnson started to think Larry Bird is a nice guy after all, thinking the can actually be friends. The 1985-86 series is coming soon, Larry Bird still separated himself withJohnson even thought Johnson still talks and invite him to places. Larry said he can hang out and talk with Johnson casually, just not when he's in his uniform because at the end of the day, they are fighting each other for the championship. But things did change, they started going out and having drinks after games, it was pretty unbelievable to others. Scott on the Lakers said that they should be hating Bird and the whole Celtics team.
The series turned out to be Celtics-Rockets when the Rockets beat the Lakers, leaving no chance for Johnson. During the 1986-87 series, finally it was the Celtics-Lakers but Lakers dominated and won the championship. For 1988 series, Celtics lost to Pistons leaving Pistons going against Lakers and Lakers won. Soon, Magic Johnson finds that he's been diagnosed with HIV, the first person he wanted to tell before anyone finding else was, Larry Bird. Larry Bird got so scared, having the same feeling when his dad died, he called Magic and asked if he's alright. Johnson said he is, he talked to Cookie, his wife about this and she said she is going to stay with him no matter what.
QUOTE:
"Magic discovered that the man notorious for his stubbornness and frankness had a sharp sense of humor. Larry was an excellent storyteller, a loyal friend, protective of his family"(Bird 186).
REACTION:
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most special relationships. I don't think anyone in the NBA now, would have a love-hate relationship like them. They respected each other, trusted each other yet was very competitive with each other. I love how a convosation in the basement about their growing up childhood and family brought them closer. Magic Johnson really trusted Larry Bird because when he found out he had HIV, Bird was the person he wanted to tell. Before anyone knowing, and if it was the Larry Bird before talking to Johnson in his basement wouldn't had cared. Now, he was scared Magic was going to die and he had the feeling when his dad left him for good. Even when the Lakers defeated him, he changed and showed friendliness and started to accept Johnson as a friend, not just an enemy. ...or is he following the cliche, "Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer..."?