Take notice, LeBron: Magic Johnson says he never would have joined forces with Larry Bird

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In an interview with Barry Rothbard of Bloomberg News, Lakers icon Magic Johnson said he never would have joined with Larry Bird to win a championship the way LeBron James is teaming with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

‘We didn’t think about it ‘cause that’s not what we were about,” Johnson said. “From college, I was trying to figure out how to beat Larry Bird.’

Bird and Johnson are credited by many with causing a surge in interest in the NBA that has lasted to this day. They faced each other in the NBA Finals three times and rekindled the classic Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

Johnson also said James could become a top businessman one day, but only on one condition.

“I think he will be, one day, a great businessman,” Johnson said. “The first order of business for LeBron is to win championships. If you build your brand on the court, then that will take care of the off-the-court brand.”

-- Houston Mitchell