First-Time Pairing of Johnson and Bird Could Be Magical

If tonight’s all-star basketball game benefiting the United Negro College Fund were played in true playground fashion, as Magic Johnson had intended, then Johnson and Larry Bird would be on opposite sides and would pick their teams from among the other notable National Basketball Assn. players.

But because Johnson coordinated the game, which will be played at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion at 7:30, he can play with whomever he wants. And the Lakers’ star guard said he wants, just once, to play on the same team as Bird, the Boston Celtics’ star forward.

Since Johnson and Bird entered the NBA in 1979, they have not played together once, even in charity events. In the six NBA All-Star games in which they have played, Johnson has been on the West and Bird on the East.

“I knew I was going to have Larry with me, as soon (as) I thought of the idea for the game,” Johnson said. “Everybody else, they can divide up even. This is going to be fun.”

Everything else about the game, though, will be just as it is on the playgrounds--except that the players will be better. There will be lots of fast breaks, little defense, not much passing and, undoubtedly, acrobatic slam dunks galore.

Joining Bird and Johnson on the Blue team will be Mark Aguirre of the Dallas Mavericks, Kiki Vandeweghe and Clyde Drexler of the Portland Trail Blazers, Byron Scott of the Lakers, Spud Webb of the Atlanta Hawks, Robert Reid of the Houston Rockets, Herb Williams of the Indiana Pacers and Kenny Fields of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Those playing on the White team are Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons, Dominique Wilkins and Cliff Levingston of the Atlanta Hawks, Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers, Rolando Blackman of the Dallas Mavericks, Ralph Sampson of the Houston Rockets, Reggie Theus of the Sacramento Kings, Michael Cooper and Kurt Rambis of the Lakers and Michael Cage of the Clippers.

Former Celtic star Bill Russell and UCLA Coach Walt Hazzard will coach the White team. Bryant Gumbel, host of NBC’s “Today Show,” and Laker General Manager Jerry West will coach the Blue team.

Listening to Johnson talk about the game, there won’t be much need for coaches.

“Expect a lot of points,” Johnson said. “It’s going to get up there in the 200-point range. Both teams. The talent we will have out on the floor is super.”

Johnson and the game’s organizers expect a sellout of 12,500.