Larry Bird owned a car dealership in Martinsville. The showroom floor was like Boston Gardens court. It had a goal on each end. They would move the cars out when he was there and kids could come in and play ball with him. He would sign posters and stuff. Pretty cool guy for doing that.

For me what puts Bird in any conversation of the greats is the number of Hall of Famers that admit they HATED playing against him.

Michael Jordan message to the Legend after he announced his retirement: "Larry, I hear that you’re retiring. Thank goodness. I’m glad. I’m tired of seeing your face. You brought a lot of sad memories for me. I enjoyed it, and I wish you a lot of luck, and I think you had a great and wonderful career. You ruined a lot of my successful games against the Boston Celtics."

Everyone wants to compare him to the players of today but remember, Larry was doing this almost 40 years ago. And he played in an era where they played rough. There were elbows, and grabbing of jerseys, and the refs let them play for the most part. I don’t think anyone has come along in all those years that could compete with Larry in his prime. There was something about Larry that would not allow him to lose. All I can do is thank him for the enjoyment he has brought to my life. I think it’s wonderful that the younger generation is finally taking some notice. Keep up the good work!

Being from Philly and a Sixers fan back then I could never understand why someone couldn’t stop that slow, plodding hayseed from doing what ever he wanted on the court. After watching these tapes forty years later I now understand why.

I Saw Larry Bird play in the 1980s in person, 2 games. The Marine Corps got me and my son great seats behind the basket. Celtics vs. Washington Bullets. He was amazing. Smooth. Flowed across the court on both ends like a darting dragonfly. People say he wasn't fast or athletic, but he was always being chased.

I was very fortunate to have grown up in Boston during the 80's & probably saw Bird play at least 90% of his games either in person at the old Boston Garden or on local Boston television. He was just an unreal player. "Larry Fu*kin Legend"

Oscar Robertson AVERAGED a Triple Double for a whole season. Bird was not particularly impressed by Triple Doubles, and was more concerned with winning than padding his stats, which is why he didn't get one every night......that said, there are only a couple of truly all around players on Bird's level...Bust out Wikipedia and look at the laundry list of Bird's achievements. One more time...Best SF to ever play in the NBA.

You don't have to be fast on your feet when your brain and reflexes are super quick. Bird was quicker thinking and reacting than almost anyone in the league. Superb hand eye coordination too.

You're bringing back memories of me watching the Celtics with my dad. Larry made basketball look effortless against all the other greats at the time.

Watching Larry's career as it happened was really something to see. He wasn't athletic by NBA standards, but he had a very impressive set of skills, was as mentally tough as the league has ever seen and had a work ethic very few players have ever matched. He was incredibly durable, missing only 28 out of 738 games over his first 9 seasons, but played just 6 games the following season do to surgery on both heels. Even with major back problems he averaged 20-9-7 over the final 3 years of his career and left a very impressive list of accomplishments. • Only player in NBA history to average 20-10-5 for a career • Career 24.0 ppg - 10.0 rpg - 6.3 apg • Career 49.6 FG% - 37.6 3PT% - 88.6% FT • Rookie of the Year award (1980) and took the Celtics from 29-53 to 61-21 with no McHale or Parrish • 5 finals appearances in 7 seasons (1981, 1984-87) • 3 championships (1981, 1984 and 1986) • 2 finals MVP awards (1984 and 1986) • 3 consecutive MVP awards (1984-86) Bill Russell and Wilt are the only other players to do it. • 9 All-NBA first team selections in his first 9 seasons Bob Pettit has the most with 10 and only Oscar also has 9. • 12 All-Star game selections • NBA's first two 50-40-90 seasons 1986-87 (52.5/40.0/91.0) and 1987-88 (52.7/41.4/91.6) Steve Nash holds the record with 4 and is the only other player to have done it more than once. • 3 consecutive 3-point contest championships (1986-88) Those were only ones he competed in. • Had 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 9 steals in only 33 minutes (1985) He sat out the fourth quarter and when asked after the game about nearly missing a quadruple double he said, "I already did enough damage. Why go for it if we're up by 30?" CAREER GAME HIGHS • 60 points (1985) 37 in the second half, including 32 over a 14 minute stretch. • 20 rebounds (3 times) • 17 assists (1984) • 9 steals (1985) • 5 blocks (3 times) Add to all of that this piece of trivia. All 12 players on the 1989-90 Eastern Conference All-Star team (Larry, Isaiah, Michael, Barkley, Ewing, Parrish, McHale, Joe Dumars, Dominique, Reggie, Pippen and Rodman) and 8 players on the Western Conference All-Star team (Stockton, Magic, Worthy, Hakeem, David Robinson, Malone, Drexler and Mullin) are in the Hall of Fame. The incredible talent that Larry played against season after season makes his accomplishments even more impressive. Charles Barkley once said, "Larry Bird can't run or jump because that was God's way of keeping the game fair." Maybe he's right because can you imagine a player with the basketball IQ and mastery of fundamentals that Larry had in an athletic body like Michael's or Dominique's?

Larry Bird is the only NBA player ever to have a career average of more than 24 points 10 rebounds and more than 5 assist per game. By the way he averaged 6.4 assist.

All the shots, moves, big plays, and iconic moments every NBA player today is trying to do, Larry did them all with regularity and ease by himself. He was playing decades ahead of his time. On top of that Larry was doing all of this stuff during an era that didn't skew the rules in favor of the offense and had some of the most legit tough guys of all time. Everyone was mean and ready to fight and Larry was right there with them, talking trash to their faces without fear. There's something to be respected about a man that has that level of swagger during one of the most competitive and mean eras of professional sports. Additionally Larry remained successful after retiring. Before becoming the coach of the Pacers, Larry ran several car lots here in Indiana and was a pretty damn good salesman. Then when he did take over the coaching role he lead my Pacers to their only NBA finals appearance so far.

Larry Bird was one of a kind. Like Magic said there will never ever be another Larry Bird. My wife started his fan club. She knows his life story.

Yo, check it out. Larry Bird was the unquestioned Best player in the league for a decade. I know, I'm old enough to have watched it in real time. Dude took what would have been a 7th place Missouri Valley League team to the NCAA Finals. Fact. Larry Bird came to the Celtics who sucked, winning under 30 games the previous season, and turned them into a 62 game winner by himself in one rookie season. Didn't need the excuse Jordan Jockers made for him for 7 years, that he didn't have a good team around him. Bird won with scrubs. Undisputed best player in the league, a league that had these guys in it: Kareem Magic Worthy Dr. J Moses Malone Hakeem King Clyde Jordan Isaiah Rodman Pippin (better team player than Jordan, His Airness has ZERO rings without Pippen) Dantley Cummings Moncrief Karl Malone Ewing Dominique Bobby Jones ( HOF, forgotten by kids who are not old enough to know better. All time defender and GREAT athlete) ...and I could go on and on with the greats of that era, and Bird was clearly superior to all of them. Bro, Larry Bird out jumped Hakeem for a jump all in the Finals. Larry Bird dunked on athletic 7 footers, I was there and watched it. All these young dudes just don't freaking know, comparing him to Luka, and saying LeBron and Durant would get over on him. Bird would go 40, 15 and 12 in today's no defense, flopping league, and pull himself out with a 15 point lead, not feeling the need to pad stats (Harden). If basketball it was a dunk contest, take Jordan. If you want the best all around basketball player, you had better pick Larry Bird. This evaluation wasn't made by a dude 35 years later watching a few grainy KZfaq videos, but by a guy who was actually there. LARRY LEGEND.

As an English bloke I have never (till recently) watched basketball, through these reaction videos I’m loving it, absolutely incredible! Your reaction for me is the best (your knowledge, passion and willingness to acknowledge greatness from previous generations being the reasons) Thankyou

That story about Larry disrespecting the then college player Michael Jordan is important because the team Michael played on beat the pro teams they played during that run including the Celtics at that time. That however was the ONLY victory Jordan ever had over Bird as he went 0 - 6 against Larry and his team in the playoffs after he came into the NBA and Larry is still the only player Jordan ever had a losing record against.

@LFR Family, In 1985 Larry was one steal away from a quadruple double. Would've only been the 2nd time it was done, at that time. Larry humbly sat in the bench in the 3rd quarter, because the Celtics were up by 30 against the Jazz. His numbers that game: 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, 9 steals #LarryLegend

Couple years ago we went to French Lick Indiana and stayed at The West Baden. Part of the French Lick Resort. It was beautiful and there is a casino and a spa at the resort. Before we left town we stopped and had lunch at Larry Birds restaurant. Definitely worth visiting!

The respectful competition between Magic and Bird in the early 80s was a wonderful time in the NBA, and those great championship games make "Lakers vs Celtics" really brought the NBA into a new level back then. Even though i was a little kid, I'm grateful that I was able to watch this era of that starting lineup of Johnson, Bird, Parrish, Ainge and McHale is definitely one of the greatest. Thank you for this video on Larry Legend.

As far as Larry being a trash talker....it ain't braggin' when you back it up. He played mind games with people to get in their heads and give himself an edge. Brilliant!

Jerry West said Bird was as close to perfect as a basketball player could be.

theres alot that made bird great. the team mates, number one, without the team there is no game. birds best asset was that he was a true field general. he was always passing, setting up his fellow teammates, shooting great, making points from nothing. a true hustler, tired, injured, upset, did not matter he was on the court. the full court awareness bird had was incredible, none like him, even now. always great to watch him play.

"Magic and Larry: A Courtship of Rivals" is so great. A long documentary, but worth every second!

Larry Legend!!! He IS the GOAT! Keep doing the NBA stuff! Loving it!

3 MVPs plus came in 2nd 5 times, could have easily had another one. I’ve seen all of the great players. Larry made games exciting which was fun to watch as a fan. One of the reasons his highlight videos are so popular.

We lived a few miles from Central Michigan University and my older brother took me to a CMU game. My brother was a great player and a great coach. He told me to keep an eye on Indiana States #33, Larry Bird. It was 1977, I was 15, we were sitting right behind the basket. I'll never forget hearing the crack of the net when Larry shot the ball. You could hear the crack of the net from the opposite end of the court distinctively, over the crowd. I've seen one other man who could shoot like the Bird. His name was Dirk Dunbar. He was no where near the size of Larry Bird and had massive braces on both knees. On the side courts at Central he could consistently rip the net from 25ft plus. Anyway back to Larry playing against CMU. Here's what it looked like after the game: " About the only way to stop Indiana State’s Larry Bird (33) was to keep the ball away from him. Here Leon Guydon, Battle Creek sophomore, successfully kept it away from him, however Bird got the ball enough to score 45 points in the Sycamores’ 93-77 win over Central Monday at Rose Arena"-- Central Michigan Life P.S. My brother took the ALMA SCOTS woman's Basketball team to their only NCAA division 3 National Championship (1992). He's also an Alma College Hall of Famer.

The Michael Jordan part was after The Bulls won against the Pacers coached by Bird in the finals. The reason Michael called him a bitch and said fuck you was because, as players, Bird was 6-0 in the playoffs vs Jordan. That was the first time that MJ ever “beat Bird” in the playoffs.

Larry also finished in top 2 in voting from 81-88 winning it 3 times in a row, the only person to do that since the aba/nba merger, GOAT

I don't remember what game it was but Bird and Dominique had an all out battle. At the end of the game Bird told him that they both deserved to win that game.

Like Magic said " there will never, ever, be another Larry Bird"

You hit the nail on the head. About 8 mins in, you said, "were we not raised to watch that". That is the truest race based statement ive heard on youtube. And you have proved it over and over with different video you do. From elvis to beastie boys and more. But its awesome to see you see that. Its not one race doing it, this is something we all do. For the world to heal and get better we need to understand what and how we do/see things. Awesome video... just like the rest keep it up

If you truly want to experience Birds greatness watch a whole game and then you will see. Bird is the Nolan Ryan of basketball. Can play a whole game as a veteran and still never let the team down

My Father & I had season tickets the first 5 yrs Bird came to Boston. He was insane to watch off the ball when your not watching a game on TV Great times in the old Boston Garden ...

Seat Pleasant💯 I remember seeing Bird at the Capital Centre in Landover and I might have been 11 years old 1981 82 and he's the first person I seen and I saw a lot of games at the Capital Centre but he's the first I ever seen take shots and start going up court BEFORE the shot even went in the hoop. I literally saw him do for most of the game.

I believe Oscar Robertson was the original triple double man. Larry learned where he had to be on the floor, working constantly to improve his game. There's a group of players on top, who can't really be ranked, just the best.

Bird was a cerebral player, he managed to turn everything to his advantage. He didn't have to be fast because he knew how to put the person defending him right where he wanted them to be, out of his way. He didn't have to juke them or break ankles because he could shoot through a half opened window. And if he couldn't do that he'd hit the quick pass that left so many scratching their heads wondering where the ball went.

Thank you for showing appreciation for my all time favorite NBA player! It always makes me happy to see people recognize his greatness.

Your show is awesome. Content is great but your ability to react and personality is Great. You relate to everyone and make them feel good

Unless you saw NBA Basketball in the 80's, .. you haven't seen Basketball at it's Best!

Even with all the modern European white players that have come into the league, Larry is still the baddest white boy ever. I don't even like classifying him like that. Larry is a Top 5 ever guy for most people that understand basketball history. If he's not in your Top 10, then you might not know basketball history as well as you think. The man was a true king of the court. He was the founding member of the 50/40/90 club, which he did twice. He won 3 consecutive regular season MVP's, he won 3 consecutive 3-point contests, he won 3 championships. He's maybe the most clutch shooter of all time, him and MJ. He averaged 10.0 rebounds per game, which is more than some centers, Patrick Ewing averaged less rebounds per game than Larry Bird.

Love from Guatemala. I grew up in a black neighbourhood in Nj....Plainfield...I was just an immigrant kid, but the black kids knew who Larry Bird was.

prior to his 3 MVPs he finished second in voting the previous 3 years, Six straight years Bird was fist or second in the league, 6 YEARS of a 12 year career

I’ve been following you for a while. Hadn’t seen this particular video on Larry Bird that you did! Excellent commentary with a lot of respectful nods to a real legend!!

Bird averaged more rebounds than Patrick Ewing for his career.

Being a Michigan res and Pistons fan back in the Badboy's era, I couldn't stand Larry but respected the hell out of him. It was one of those love/hate deals.... That dude was badass to watch!! My grandfather used to say that Larry looked like he was wearing ice skates out there and needed skating lessons but, had the best hands ever.....lol

No NBA player has averaged a triple-double for their entire career, although several have done it for a season. Oscar Robertson was the original triple-double threat and Larry Bird not only redefined the forward position but continued the legacy of great triple-double threats.

Bird was the inaugural member of the 50-40-90 Club. He won it the second year, as well. And, he is one of only two to be a member more than once. Steve Nash won it 4 times. That's 50% field goal percentage, 40% 3-point field goal percentage, and 90% free throw percentage.

I am a hoosier who lives in Pennsylvania , I grew up watching Larry Bird ànď he was and still is a bad ass basketball player. I'm now 71 years old as of last month.

People always say "Bird was a great shooter" but, IMHO he was a better passer than shooter, great at both yes. There are passes he made that you will never see anyone else duplicate.

Patrick Ewing said Bird was cooking everyone in the NBA and he was right

I'm from Cleveland and I'm grateful to Lebron for the Championship he helped bring to the Cavs. I can't give the goat title to him, in my opinion players that jump from team to team like KD and Lebron as well as others to form super teams in order to win titles can't be considered the goat. but that does not take away from his greatness. until I see one of today's player tell the other team what shot they are going to make, where on the court they are making it from, without the opposition being able to stop them, while also never taking games off to rest, playing the number of minutes per game he played, playing with broken bones and hurt in numerous ways, be Mr. clutch, passes like he has eyes in the back of his head, play with their off hand and score 20 in 3 quarters, shoot from anywhere on the court, average double digits rebounds, belong in the 50/40/90 club; which he founded; Bird will be my Co goat with MJ! They say he was unathletic, he was slow couldn't jump I know another athlete who gets that same rap, his name is Tom Brady, I'll take Birds and Brady's kind of un athleticism any day, every day! and I could go on.

We didn't have videos to go back and watch whenever you wanted. You either watched the game or heard about it or read about it. I love watching Larry Bird videos and getting to relive those shots again. Those games were so exciting. And you try to explain what Larry did in a game people said no way. You really had to see some of it to believe it.

I really enjoy watching your videos. You are very likeable. Good for you man man. Keep going. Larry Legend!

If it hasn't become apparent yet , Larry Legend is the player lebytch wishes he was....

Difference between great players, LeBron name drops himself amongst the greats, KD appreciates that others would put his name in the same sentence as the greats.

If I was drafting an all time team I would strongly consider Bird as my first overall even if I had the #1 pick

*Larry Bird had 59 triple doubles in his career. Wow.*

Well I stood next to him a very long time ago. Right then and there I knew 2 things: #1 My mom was correct when she told me coffee will stunt my growth. #2 Even the worst NBA player is 1000 X’s better than I could ever be. So for him to be among the very elite of the very best, he must be something special.

Cutting my NBA teeth during the 80s, I was a Lakers/Showtime fan. But...Bird was equal parts aggravating and inspiring. I used to think how in the heck can this no jumping, slow footed, plodding guy be this unstoppable. Because of his basketball IQ. What a joy to watch him play.

Bird ask the opposing teams coach, "You got anyone on you bench that can guard me?" Coach looked at his bench then looked back at Bird and said No.

Bird had 59 triple doubles.

@7:50 the 💡 moment…. At least you acknowledged it. I’m not necessarily a LeBron fan but I’m now subbing bcuz you are honest & real.

Wilkins not only called him a Superplayer. He said "when he got the chance to play against Larry Bird". Respect

The original triple-double machine was Oscar Robertson, but yes, Larry Bird could get you a triple-double on pretty much any night. Go and look at his numbers and compare them to Magic Johnson’s. Bird scored more and Magic had more assists, but as for rebounding, they were just about the same.

Bird is top 5 all time and arguably the most complete player ever.

By the numbers, the 86 Celtics were one of the best, most complete and fundamentally sound B-Ball teams ever.

Hold on, hold on. As much as I like Larry, Oscar Robertson was the original triple double. Another of the greatest that doesn't get the respect he deserves.

The list of actual real GOAT candidates is fairly short. With all due respect to Stockton and Duncan,it's only Wilt,Russell,Kareem,Bird,MJ and Magic. There's really no one else in the conversation.

When. Larry Bird joined the Celtics as a rookie the players said that they wanted to teach that White boy a lesson after 45min they said that White boy can play

I can't figure out why people say he wasn't "athletic". Guys didn't lift weights so much back then - is that what they mean? Because clearly the guy was an elite athlete.

I am from Boston and grew up watching and attending Celtics game at The Boston Garden 80's - 90's. Great memories. Robert Parish The Chief 00 my favorite. I am native and liked his nickname

Interesting point Michael Jordan never beat Larry Bird he didn't come into his own until bird retired and his exact words were it was the happiest day of his life.

Everyone called him a trashtalker, but if you back it up? He was smart...and slow. He got it done!

Oscar Robertson is the original triple double, Bird is top 3 all time for sure

It drives me nuts that everyone always says that Bird was unathletic. He was very athletic especially early in his career, he slowed down late in his career and that is what everyone remembers

This is the most basketball I've watched in my whole life and I've actually been enjoying it

Career averages are: 24.3pts, 10reb, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals a game for his entire career.

There were two basketball players' posters on walls in my house growing up. My sister had Jordan on her wall, and I had Magic on mine. We are as white as white can be. Basketball in those days was FUN. Ethnicity DID NOT MATTER. You want to see the best in sports. Period.

OK! I Love your channel my friend. And feel that family vibe... Always interesting, fun and a guaranteed smile every time. respects and Blessings and Love to y’all! Cheers from Destin, FL.

Even with his bad back, his last season in 91 he averaged 20-9-6

Love these Larry stories. I could listen to Sir Charles all day.

Had a front row seat, 2022, and watched Le Bron James playing. I was mesmerized! He knew where every player was on the court. I’m British, married to an American, and didn’t watch the game until the Rockets won their 1st championship. Then they won the next year, so I thought it was an automatic thing. Stopped watching, but now I’m back! Wish I had continued being a fan, but children and grandchildren became my priority. Thanks for the game. In Scotland, it’s football (soccer) and rugby. My son was on tv playing rugby, and boasts a cauliflower ear playing the game. Still handsome!

In 1985, the Boston Celtics legend had arguably the greatest game of his career, almost recording a quadruple-double in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz. Bird only played 33 minutes, logging 30 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 9 steals. He had the chance to get that 10th steal to record the second quadruple-double in the league at the time (Nate Thurmond of the Chicago Bulls recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocks in 1974), but Bird just wanted to rest and see the rest of the game on the bench.

2:18 he only scored 22 of his 47 with his left hand. Still unreal, but the Legend doesn't need any exaggerations on his accomplishments. They already speak for themselves.

I can't believe everyone forgets the first NBAJam was basically Michael Jordan vs Larry Bird ......... but I'm old

Larry birds assists though... His passing was right up there with Jason Kidd

This was amazing !!! The parts I skipped was LeBron lmao 🤣

Bird Magic and MJ my top 3 in any order ❤️ good old days

Montreal in da house!!!! Classic brother. Respect from a kid who was born there. Love you 👍😎✊

That Expos hat & this video on Bird was enough for me to give you a subscription and a thumbs up.

I’ve been a member of the LFR Family for a minute now, mainly because my first name is Van too. But all that is coming to a screeching halt by you saying, “This is a China James House!” Man, please! You are going to make me run away from LFR Home!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I actually got to watch him as a kid. Omg. Great games I never watched till then.. but when the whole house is going crazy you def wanna see what’s going on. Awesome as hell man.

The Lakers v Boston some of my all time favorite games as a youth

If you ain't got Larry Legend in your top 5 All Time,,, you a Soccer fan!!🤣🤣🤣

Clayton Crowley does a series called Making the Case that's fantastic. And Larry's and LeBron's are the two best.

Bird , MJ , Magic . God Tier level players would make a mockery of the modern era of basketball.

He shook my hand outside the stadium. 1996. No phone, no sharpie.

Learn about all the medical problems he was playing with...its unbelieveable he was that good playing with pain...imagine if he was playing painless...and Larry did not take painkillers.

The “Making The Case” video is his best summary of why he’s in the running as GOAT.