Larry Bird is undeniably one of the most iconic figures in Boston Celtics history. Over 13 NBA seasons, Bird led the Celtics to three championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986, while earning three consecutive league MVP awards.
A career-long Celtic, Bird was at the heart of one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, facing off against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers throughout the 1980s. But in a surprising twist, the Hall of Famer admitted that the player he most wanted to play alongside was none other than Lakers great Kobe Bryant.
In a 2012 interview on “The B.S. Report”, the former Celtics star explained why Kobe stood out to him, praising the five-time NBA champion’s relentless work ethic and will to win.
“Well, probably Kobe, because of the fact that … well, of course he wouldn’t have been shooting as much as he does now … but his desire to win, his dedication, to always get better, uh, and he’s just, he’s just tough,” Bird said. “He’s just a tough cat”.
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 28, 2015. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Bird on playing alongside LeBron James
While Bird chose Bryant as the player he’d most like to team up with for his winning mentality, he also mentioned LeBron James as a fun option to play with, comparing the experience to his time with Bill Walton.
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“But, if you want to have fun, like I did with Bill Walton, play with LeBron,” Bird explained. “It would have probably been more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it’s Kobe. Not that LeBron’s not a winner, just that [Kobe’s] mindset is to go into every practice, every game, to get better”.
What did Kobe Bryant say about Bird’s comments?
At the time Bird made his remarks, Bryant was leading the NBA in scoring, averaging 29.4 points per game. When asked about Bird’s praise during an 2012 interview on the “Max & Marcellus” show on 710 ESPN, the Lakers icon expressed his admiration for Bird’s perspective.
“I was a real student of the game, and hearing that from Larry means a lot,” Kobe said. “I always respected how he approached basketball — with that edge, that focus. That’s what I tried to bring every day”.
