“I’d like to see them win it” – Larry Bird surprisingly backed the Lakers in the 1988 NBA Finals originally appeared on Basketball Network.
For most of his playing career, Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics never liked the Los Angeles Lakers. And he didn’t hide that fact. The obvious reason for this was the rivalry between the two powerhouse teams.
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However, Larry Legend gave an uncanny remark after the Celtics lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 1988 Eastern Conference Finals. Unable to face the Purple and Gold in the Finals, Bird conspicuously said that he was rooting for the Lakers over the Pistons.
“The final was the fun part of the year,” Bird said via the New York Times. “We were supposed to be there just like the Lakers. I’d like to see them win it, just to keep it going for one of us.”
Bird blasts his poor performance
From his tone of statement, it was understandable that Larry was terribly disappointed at the time. Considering he was having a great season, reaching the Finals was the ultimate goal.
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Although he enjoyed the highest-scoring season of his career that year, Bird had a subpar performance in the EC Finals. After shooting an impressive 52.7% from the field and 41.4% from three during the season, the Celtics’ star struggled mightily when it mattered most. His efficiency plummeted to just 35.1% overall and 28.6% from deep.
“It was probably the worst shooting series I’ve ever had… shooting is what people watch,” Bird rued.
In that loss, Bird accounted for only 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. Kevin McHale picked up the scoring slack, dropping a game-high 33 points along with 11 rebounds.
It was uncanny, but what most didn’t know at the time was that Bird was playing hurt. Back and heel injuries bothered the sixth overall pick of the 1978 Draft that season. But being the tough player that he was, Larry played through it.
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“I don’t like to blame my play on my injury, but I don’t want to play like I played tonight,” Bird said via the Washington Post.
The Lakers won, but the C’s were never the same
In the 1988 Finals, the Lakers didn’t disappoint The Hick from French Lick. L.A. survived the Pistons’ highly physical play and won it all in seven games, with James Worthy starring in the final matchup.
Given his accomplishments, it was understandable. Further, Bird had nothing else to prove, considering he is a three-time champion and garnered multiple individual accolades that no ordinary player could achieve.
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After a disappointing 1987–88 season, all Bird and the Celtics could do was regroup and plan anew for the 1988–89 season. Unfortunately, Larry played in only six regular-season games before having bone spurs removed from both of his heels. He was unable to return to help the Cs that year.
Bird officially returned in the 1989–90 season. However, it was noticeable that he was no longer the player most people knew. Worse, his back issues worsened, a reason why he struggled to play regularly for the Celtics.
With his back nagging him, Bird would opt for retirement on August 18, 1992. Although he had a high pain threshold, Larry listened to his body and chose to wrap up his pro basketball career.
Given his accomplishments, it was understandable. Bird had nothing else to prove, considering he is a three-time champion and garnered multiple individual accolades that no ordinary player could achieve, inspiring generations of young players along the way.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.