Magic Johnson and Larry Bird react to new MVP trophy honors
NBA icons Magic Johnson and Larry Bird expressed their appreciation after the league announced Thursday that it would name the new Eastern and Western Conference Finals MVP trophies after them.
Can you believe this little boy who grew up in Lansing, MI and played at Everett High School, won a NCAA Championship at Michigan State, and won 5 NBA Championships with the @Lakers would have the Western Conference Finals MVP Trophy named after him? Wow🤯 pic.twitter.com/satNxmi2ZG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 12, 2022
"I just wish I could win one of them Magic Johnson trophies," Bird jokingly said to deputy commissioner Mark Tatum. "That would be the highlight of my career."
Larry Bird learns about the new Larry Bird Trophy, awarded to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, from NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum. pic.twitter.com/CTdvhPI20y
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 12, 2022
Magic and Bird's rivalry brought the league into prominence in the 1980s, with Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers winning five championships and three Finals MVP awards. Bird led the Boston Celtics to three championships and two Finals MVPs.
The NBA also honored league legends Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson, making the pair the namesakes for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals trophies.
The Association also announced design changes to the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Award.