From The Court To Collectibles: The Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Rivalry Turns to Basketball Memorabilia

The foundation of the modern NBA and the status of the superstars it employs can be traced back to many names over different eras. While the likes of Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, and Bill Russell all played a prominent role in the development of the NBA, a set of players who dominated the 1980’s transcended the way players are perceived. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird met in the NBA Finals in three of four seasons from 1984 to 1987. Over 19 games, Johnson’s Lakers took 11 and two of the three championships over Bird and the Celtics.

With the iconic run both players had, the value of the artifacts from these games and the era in general can’t be overstated. Owning a piece of this time in NBA history is appealing to collectors everywhere.

Why is Larry Bird and Magic Johnson memorabilia important to collect?

Source: Sports History Weekly

As figures of their era, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are some of the Associations defining personalities. The juxtaposition of Bird’s stoic, all-business demeanor with Johnson’s flashy, playmaking style captured the intrigue of fans everywhere just as the NBA became widely accessible to fans via television broadcasting. As such, memorabilia related to either player, their many meetings, or the storied franchises they belonged to is synonymous with owning a piece of professional basketball’s most important era.

Most superstars over the course of the NBA’s history ultimately defined their respective era. From Kobe Bryant and the reignition of the Celtics and Lakers rivalry in the 2000’s, to Michael Jordan and the dynastic Bulls of the 1990’s, most eras can be associated with any number of influential players. Bird and Johnson are at the top of the list of figures who controlled the narrative of their place in NBA history.

Key moments from the rivalry

“Memorial Day Massacre” - NBA Finals Game 1, May 27, 1985

In the opening game of the 1985 NBA Finals, the Celtics made a statement at Boston Garden. The Celtics, led by K.C. Jones, were coming off a Finals win over the Lakers in seven games the previous season. Game 1 made it seem as though Pat Riley and Los Angeles were in for another defeat at the hands of Boston. Larry Bird and the Celtics won by 34 points. As a team, Boston shot 60.8 percent from the field and buried seven of its nine three-point attempts. Magic Johnson finished with 19 points and 12 assists, while Bird finished with 16 points and nine assists.

Lakers Get Revenge - NBA Finals Game 6, June 9, 1985

Despite the aforementioned blowout loss, the Lakers would go on to win the series in six games, capturing their second title in four seasons and second under head coach Pat Riley. The Lakers relied on the playmaking of Magic Johnson alongside the duo of James Worthy and eventual Finals MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabar. Johnson finished with a triple-double, notching 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. Worthy and Abdul-Jabar combined for 57 points on a cumulative 66.7 field goal percentage. The Celtics couldn’t keep up, shooting just 38.5 percent from the field and knocking down just one of their seven three-point attempts.

Despite scoring 28 points, Larry Bird scored on just 12 of his 29 shot attempts. The Lakers won 111-100 and had taken down the vaunted Celtics.

The First Meeting - December 28, 1979

As a rookie, Magic Johnson shared the court with Larry Bird for the first time as a professional. Johnson got the better of Bird in the 1979 NCAA Championship game earlier that same year. While Bird was selected sixth overall by the Celtics in the 1978 draft, he returned to Indiana State for his senior season before joining the team in 1979. Johnson and the Lakers got the better of Bird’s Celtics, winning 123-105. Johnson finished with 23 points and four steals, while Bird finished with 16 points and four steals of his own.

Bird bested Johnson for the Rookie of the Year award in 1979. Still, Bird wouldn’t beat Johnson in a professional game until 1982.

Iconic Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Collectibles

Signed Basketball Jerseys

Source: Sports Casting

Either player’s signature on a jersey is a solid get for a collector. Whether it’s Johnson or Bird’s college jersey, their NBA threads, or even their Team USA jersey, signed jerseys are currently available at Pristine Auction.

Bids on Bird’s jersey currently range from $630 for a framed, signed Celtics jersey, to $50 for an unframed, signed Celtics jersey. For Johnson, a Team USA framed, signed jersey currently has a high bid of $20, while a framed, signed Lakers jersey is currently sitting at $262.50.

Signed Basketballs

As far as basketballs signed by either player, Pristine Auction currently has a wide array of options available for collectors to bid on. Spalding, Wilson, and other branded balls are available for a starting price of around $50. Some variations include team logos, or cases. For collectors looking for both signatures on one ball, those are also available through Pristine Auction.

Photos from Bird vs. Magic iconic games

A photo of both Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on the same court is likely to be a centerpiece of any collection. Add the signatures and the piece becomes even more valuable. While the two are friends now, it’s tough to imagine either player would’ve signed a picture with the other in it during their playing days. Still, that fact might make a photo even more appealing to the right collector. Many options are available, from action shots, to pregame shots, and even cards signed by both players. While prices vary, this is likely the most diverse option for collectors looking to capture a unique piece of the duo.

Tickets, programs, and other promotional items 

For the diverse tastes, many other Magic Johnson, Larry Bird pieces are available. Pristine Auction currently has Johnson signed Funko Pops, action figures, signed shoes, game tickets from the 1982 NBA Playoffs and The Forum, beyond other offerings. Additionally, a program from the 1979 NCAA Championship signed by both players is available.

Funko Pops signed by Bird are also available, as are replica trophies, Converse shoes, and even basketball shorts.

Investment value

With the Boston Celtics currently playing in the NBA Finals, interest surrounding the team and its storied history is likely heightened. For collectors looking to invest in anything related to Magic Johnson or Larry Bird, the items with the most long-term potential are likely the items signed by both players, or unique items with a limited supply. For example, the Johnson-signed ticket from the 1982 NBA Playoffs, or the Bird and Johnson signed program from 1979 NCAA Championship aren’t items guaranteed to remain in circulation. The scarcity is likely to lead to appreciation as time progresses.

Not to mention, showing off an item that rare might be pretty fun while it’s in the collection.