Recently, Magic Johnson’s “beloved” franchise helped him add another ring to his stellar record. After the LA Dodgers’ victory against the New York Yankees in the World Series, the legend’s total number of rings now stands at 15. Currently, part of the ownership group of five teams in different sports, success for the Lakers legend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Before the season commenced, he returned to his previous stomping ground, where it all started.

“Spartan Family. S/o to @magicjohnson for stopping by practice and spending time with the squad 💚.” The Michigan State basketball team shared the post on Instagram. In the collage, there were multiple photos and one video where Magic Johnson is giving collegiate athletes valuable advice. “But it’s got to start with the mindset and attitude of giving 150% in practice. Great practice, guess what happens in the game?”

All athletes unanimously answered, “Great game.” The 5x NBA Champion continued, “That’s it, never mistake that.” And left a sweet comment, “Always great to be back! 🫱🏾‍🫲🏾.” He not only won his first championship in 1979, but it was also the first one for the program.

The game was against his famous archenemy, Larry Bird, and Indiana State. Earlier this year, Magic Johnson on X, explained his feelings about the Finals.

“Today always makes me think about the big game in 1979, where I went up against my arch-rival Larry Bird while 35.1 million viewers tuned in to watch – the most-watched championship game to this day!” Magic Johnson claimed the ‘Most Outstanding Player’ award and ended the night with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Final. But what about Larry Bird? How has he coped with the loss?

Magic Johnson vs Larry Bird

Before meeting in the Final, Indiana State entered the contest undefeated. Meanwhile, Michigan had 6 losses to their name. In the semifinals, both legends performed for their respective teams. Larry Bird produced 35 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists in a close two-point win over DePaul.

In his game, Johnson contributed 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a crushing victory over Penn 101-67. But he had reservations about facing Bird. “We went back to the hotel and we were like, ‘Oh my goodness, what are we gonna do to contain Larry Bird?’ We had never seen a player like Larry Bird,”

Johnson said in 2009 during the 30th-anniversary celebration of the game. And his opponent had the same feeling. “After the DePaul game, I remember back at the hotel I had some time to myself. I was thinking, ‘If I don’t score 40 points Monday night, we don’t have a chance to win.'”

So, the Celtics legend couldn’t score 40 points and ultimately lost. “You never get over that. It’s impossible to get over it when you have your heart broken. I knew going into that game that I was going to have to play the best game I’d ever played in my life, and I didn’t do it. I let us all down.”

So for Magic Johnson, it turned out to be the start of something beautiful. Hence, as the new NCAA season kicks off, he reminded the current Spartans about the same.