Original title: American media listed the opponents Bird defeated in the finals, and James could not surpass him as the first small forward
Larry Bird was a superstar in the NBA in the 80s along with Magic Johnson, one of the best players in Boston Celtics history, Larry Bird won three Finals championships and two Finals MVPs in five matches, and he also won three regular-season MVPs. Such Larry Bird is also regarded as the first small forward in history, and the appearance of Pippen later is considered by many to shake the position of Larry Bird's first small forward in history.
And the appearance of LeBron James, which is regarded as the first small forward position in Larry Bird's history, was snatched away by LeBron James. To this end, the US media "Fadeaway World" lists the opponents that Larry Bird defeated in the Finals.
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10. Bob McAdoo
Bob McAdoo is one of the most famous centers in NBA history, and as a Hall of Famer, he played only 4 seasons with the Lakers. Unfortunately, he failed to help the Lakers win a championship in 1984. But against Larry Bird, Bob McAdoo averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Don't forget, Bob McAdoo was surrounded by amazing star teammates like Magic Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. In the 1984 Finals, Larry Bird was named Finals MVP by averaging 27.4 points and 14.0 rebounds per game.
9. Robert Reed
Robert Reed played 11 seasons with the Houston Rockets, having reached the Finals in 1981 and 1984. In the 1981 series against the Celtics, Robert Reed averaged 14.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. 
8. Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper was one of the Lakers' most underrated players of the '80s for his defensive excellence, was named to the All-Defensive Team 8 times, and won the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year award. Michael Cooper averaged 13.4 points per game in the 1984 Finals against the Boston Celtics and was the team's fourth-leading scorer. In the Lakers, he also won 4 championships.
7. Calvin Murphy
Calvin Murphy was one of the Houston Rockets' 1981 Finals centerpiece, but he averaged just 9.8 points per game against the Celtics in the Finals due to injuries. He is also a Hall of Famer and has been named an All-Star once in his career.
6. Ralph Sampson
Ralph Sampson is one of the Rockets' all-time names when he led the Rockets to the Finals with Olajuwon in 1986, but the team lost to Larry Bird's Celtics. Ralph Sampson was named an All-Star four times in his career, was named an All-Star MVP once, and was a Hall of Famer.
5. James Worthy
James Worthy was one of the core players of the Los Angeles Lakers' 80s dynasty, he won championships with Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, and he was also the MVP of the Lakers in the 1988 Finals, where he also helped the team win three championships.
4. Moses Malone
Moses Malone is one of the most underrated center superstars in NBA history, having reached the Finals in the 1980-81 season with the Houston Rockets against the Celtics led by Larry Bird, and the team lost 4-2 and missed out on the championship.
3. Olajuwon
Olajuwon is a top-five center in history, and Olajuwon reached the Finals in 1986 when he played for the Houston Rockets, but lost to the Boston Celtics. Although Olajuwon was averaging 24.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.2 blocks per game, he was still unable to lead the Rockets to beat Larry Bird more. However, Olajuwon completed two consecutive championships in the 90s.
2. Abdul-Jabbar
Abdul-Jabbar is a top-five center in history, and Larry Bird also met Abdul-Jabbar in the Finals, more because Abdul-Jabbar later went to the Western Lakers, and the two had a chance to meet in the Finals. Abdul-Jabbar partnered Magic Johnson to lead the Lakers to the dynasty of the '80s, winning five championships together.
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the all-time No. 1 point guard, and Larry Bird led the Celtics to three games against Magic Johnson in the Finals, and Magic Johnson has a 2-1 record. The duo's showdown is considered the greatest showdown of the '80s because they've been each other's toughest rivals since college basketball.