He's been retired for over 20 years but now a new Broadway play brings back the magic that Magic Johnson brought to basketball. The play called 'Magic/Bird' relives the rivalry and friendship of the L.A. Lakers star and his Boston Celtics nemesis Larry Bird. The pair started out as college rivals and later on became close friends. Their rivalry ruled the National Basketball Association during the 80s. Magic Johnson: "We were winners, we were competitors, we would do anything to win. And I think both guys, where there looking up at the ball, they can't believe right now that we have a play coming out on Broadway and it's blowing both our minds." The play offers a number of powerful scenes but there are two moments that Johnson says stand out: Magic Johnson: "I think it's two of them, I think when I go to Larry's home and his mother gave me that big hug and that scene is an incredible scene at his house, and that's really how we became friends - you know, that's really a great scene. And I think when I called him to tell him I had HIV, that's a powerful scene as well." Magic/Bird' is laced with archival NBA footage and ends after the pair win Olympic gold in 1992. Both Johnson and Bird worked closely with the play's producers in order to ensure authenticity. Magic Johnson: "We were concerned about helping out with the script and making sure our voices came out the right way. And making that the story was good so that the fans could relate to it - and both of us had input there. I came to the rehearsals, making sure that, Kevin, making sure that, you know, he was smiling like I smile, so I gave some notes there." 'Magic/Bird' opens on April 11. (Mirja Mey/ Reuters)