Magic Johnson recently endorsed comparisons made by sports journalist Jemele Hill, likening the rivalry between WNBA rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark to the famed rivalry between Johnson and Larry Bird in the 1980s. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on June 6, the former Los Angeles Lakers star agreed with Hill’s assessment.
Johnson and Bird’s rivalry began in college and intensified when they joined the NBA, with Bird being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and Johnson by the Lakers in 1979. Bird returned to Indiana State for another season, where his team remained undefeated until losing to Johnson’s Michigan State in the national championship. Their competitive dynamic continued in the NBA, leading to multiple championships for both: five for Johnson and three for Bird.
Johnson noted that, like his and Bird’s experiences, Reese and Clark will likely face challenges from veteran players, particularly if they enter the league with significant hype. He emphasized that rookies often provoke jealousy among established players due to increased publicity and financial rewards.
During his conversation with Kimmel, Johnson echoed former NBA player Matt Barnes’s advice, stating that Clark’s teammates need to protect her from excessive physical play from opponents. He highlighted the importance of team support in ensuring that young stars like Clark and Reese can thrive and contribute to the WNBA’s growth.
Johnson acknowledged that while Clark is currently the most popular player in the WNBA, she has yet to establish herself as the best. Drawing a parallel to his own career, Johnson mentioned that neither he nor Bird were the best when they entered the NBA; their status was earned through consistent, exceptional performance over time. He believes Clark must continue to excel to reach the pinnacle of the league.
