Part 2/9:
The interview begins with a surprising anecdote: during one season, the Lakers and Celtics faced off four times in the preseason. This decision, though puzzling to some, stemmed from a desire to capitalize on the lucrative opportunities presented by their rivalry. The NBA was grappling with an image crisis in the 1970s, lacking a clear identity. This presented a perfect backdrop for the emergence of two transformative players: Larry Bird of the Celtics and Magic Johnson of the Lakers.