The Los Angeles Lakers have featured some of the greatest players in NBA history. One of them is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His impact on the league was undeniable, as he set the all-time scoring record that stood for 39 years, until LeBron surpassed him. He also won a record six MVP awards, more than any other player in history. Throughout his career, Kareem faced many legendary opponents, but his pick for the toughest one might come as a surprise.
“The best guy I played against might have been Larry Bird…People don’t appreciate Larry Bird enough. They think he was a chubby White guy. But he would wear us down. The muscle that was between his ears was the best because he made three points, assisted, rebounded and had steals. He was always in the right place at the right time. He is, without a doubt, one of the best players I’ve ever played against,” stated Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as reported by The Washington Times on 2022.
Despite Larry is a well-known legend within Boston Celtics, his name is not usually picked among the greatest of all time debate. During his 897 games, he averaged 24.3 points contributing with 10 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Also, he was on the MVP debates for along 9 straight years showcasing his talent winning the award 3 times. Besides, he led the franchise to three championships-1981, 1984 and 1986.
Even Hall of Famer James Worthy admitted he preferred guarding Michael Jordan over Larry Bird. The Celtics legend approached the game like a strategist. Bird constantly analyzed plays and anticipated moves before they happened. He did not lack physical capacity, but his edge came from his basketball IQ that made him a nightmare to defend.
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball as Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers watches.
Larry Bird opens up about his departure from the Boston Celtics front office
After retiring in 1992, Larry Bird returned to the Boston Celtics as a special assistant to CEO Dave Gavitt. His arrival sparked excitement in Boston, where fans still viewed him as an icon. Bird’s return became one of the most anticipated moves in the city’s sports scene.
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However, the situation began to shift during the 1995–96 season. The team’s decision to trade Sherman Douglas raised concerns. Many questioned Bird’s role and future with the franchise after that move.
Bird later opened up about the turning point in his relationship with the team. “I knew my days with the Celtics were over when I told our owner that Sherman Douglas was the most valuable guy on our team, and then he traded him a month later…(They) would ask my advice about certain personnel moves, then turn around and do whatever they wanted,” confessed Larry Bird as reported by Basketball Network.
