Magic Johnson Can't Wait to See Magic/Bird, Basketball Drama About His Career, 'Light Up the Stage'

The basketball drama Magic/Bird, which traces the fierce competitive streak and eventual friendship between NBA icons Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Larry Bird, is readying to bounce to Broadway in 2012. In a recent chat with Broadway.com, Johnson shared his thoughts on the show, which is being penned by Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” Johnson said while walking the red carpet on opening night of The Mountaintop. “I think any time you have a [project] about yourself, you anticipate great things. Both Larry and I are looking forward to what’s going to happen, but going crazy too!”

Casting for the show has yet to be announced, but Johnson already has a few tips for the actor who steps into his shoes. “Smile, be entertaining and win!” So, does the longtime Los Angeles Laker have any suggestions for who should play him on stage? “I’ll take any of my friends…Denzel [Washington], Samuel [L. Jackson], but whoever ends up with the part will be charismatic and light up the stage.”

Don’t want to wait until 2012 to relive the Magic/Bird rivalry? Flash back to this 1986 Converse commercial, in which the duo went head to head over the “Weapon” brand of sneakers.