Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born April 16, 1947) is a former American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., he changed his name after converting to Islam in 1971. Standing 7’2″, Abdul-Jabbar dominated the sport during his 20-year career, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is best known for his signature “skyhook” shot, which was nearly impossible to block, and for being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer until 2023. Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and earned six MVP awards, reflecting his impact on the game. Beyond basketball, he is an author, cultural ambassador, and social justice advocate, writing extensively on race, politics, and history. His contributions to sports and society make him a towering figure both on and off the court.
Early Life and Background
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in Harlem, New York City. The only child of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a police officer and jazz musician, and Cora Alcindor, a department store worker, young Lew Alcindor grew up in a modest household. From an early age, it was clear that Lew was different — not just because of his rapidly increasing height, but also because of his intelligence and curiosity.
By the age of nine, Lew Alcindor stood nearly six feet tall, towering over his peers. His height earned him attention, but it also made him the target of bullying and isolation. However, basketball provided an outlet for his natural physical gifts, and it was on the playgrounds of New York City where Lew began honing his skills.
Lew attended Power Memorial Academy, a Catholic high school in Manhattan known for its strong basketball program. Under the guidance of coach Jack Donohue, Alcindor became a dominant force on the basketball court. He led his high school team to a 71-game winning streak and three consecutive New York City Catholic championships. By the time he graduated in 1965, Alcindor had become one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in the nation.
His decision to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) marked the beginning of one of the most storied college basketball careers in history. Playing under the legendary coach John Wooden, Alcindor revolutionized the game with his size, skill, and agility.
College Dominance at UCLA
Lew Alcindor’s career at UCLA coincided with one of the most dominant periods in the history of college basketball. At 7’2″, Alcindor possessed not only incredible size but also unmatched athleticism and coordination. He played the center position with a combination of grace, power, and intelligence rarely seen in a player of his size.
However, the NCAA implemented a rule change that would go on to be famously known as the “Alcindor Rule” — the banning of the dunk in college basketball. This rule was seen as an attempt to neutralize Alcindor’s dominance, as his height and athleticism made dunking an almost unstoppable weapon in his arsenal. Despite this limitation, Alcindor developed the signature shot that would define his career — the skyhook. The skyhook was nearly impossible to block due to Alcindor’s height and the high arc of the shot, and it became one of the most effective scoring moves in basketball history.
Alcindor led UCLA to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969. His dominance on both ends of the court was unprecedented: he was a two-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player and a three-time consensus first-team All-American. During his time at UCLA, the Bruins lost only two games, making Alcindor one of the most decorated players in the history of college basketball.
In addition to his success on the court, Lew Alcindor began to explore his identity off the court. Growing up during the civil rights movement, he became increasingly interested in social justice issues, particularly those affecting African Americans. Influenced by figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, Alcindor began to question his role as an African American athlete in a predominantly white society.
Conversion to Islam and Name Change
In 1968, Lew Alcindor made a major decision that would shape the rest of his life: he converted to Islam. The decision was part of his personal journey toward spiritual and cultural identity. Alcindor had long been exploring various aspects of African and Islamic culture, and his conversion was influenced by his desire to reconnect with his African heritage.
Upon his conversion, he took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means “noble servant of the powerful” in Arabic. This change was about more than religion — it was a rejection of the name that he felt was a symbol of the legacy of slavery. Abdul-Jabbar’s conversion and subsequent name change were met with mixed reactions. Some praised him for taking a stand, while others criticized him for what they saw as a rejection of American values.
His decision to convert and speak out on social justice issues was indicative of Abdul-Jabbar’s willingness to use his platform as an athlete to advocate for causes that mattered to him. He became increasingly involved in the civil rights movement, participating in the Cleveland Summit in 1967, where prominent black athletes such as Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Bill Russell gathered to support Ali’s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
Early NBA Career with the Milwaukee Bucks
After graduating from UCLA in 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then still Lew Alcindor) was the number one overall pick in the 1969 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks, a relatively new franchise at the time, having joined the NBA only a year earlier. His arrival in Milwaukee immediately transformed the Bucks into a championship contender.
In his rookie season, Abdul-Jabbar quickly established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league. He averaged 28.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable, as he combined size, skill, and intelligence to become a force in the paint.
The following year, in just his second season, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their first-ever NBA Championship in 1971. He averaged 31.7 points and 16 rebounds per game during the regular season and was named the NBA Finals MVP. That same season, he won his first NBA MVP award, the first of six MVP awards he would collect over his illustrious career — a record that still stands today.
To complement his dominance, the Bucks had acquired veteran guard Oscar Robertson, one of the greatest players in NBA history. Robertson’s playmaking ability and Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring and rebounding made them one of the most formidable duos in the league. The Bucks’ 1971 championship victory was one of the crowning achievements of Abdul-Jabbar’s early career, and he quickly became the face of the NBA.
Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers
Despite his success in Milwaukee, Abdul-Jabbar began to feel disconnected from the city. His growing interest in Islamic culture and his desire to live in a larger, more diverse city led him to request a trade to either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975. The Bucks obliged, trading him to the Lakers in what would become a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Abdul-Jabbar’s arrival in Los Angeles marked the beginning of a new era for the Lakers. Though the team did not immediately achieve championship success, Abdul-Jabbar continued to dominate individually. He won his fourth and fifth MVP awards in 1976 and 1977, cementing his status as the league’s premier player. Despite his individual accolades, however, the Lakers struggled to find postseason success in the mid-1970s.
Everything changed in 1979 when the Lakers drafted Earvin “Magic” Johnson with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. Johnson, a 6’9″ point guard with incredible court vision and playmaking ability, was the perfect complement to Abdul-Jabbar’s inside dominance. Together, they formed one of the most unstoppable duos in NBA history, and the Lakers would soon embark on one of the most successful runs in NBA history.
Showtime and the Lakers’ Dynasty of the 1980s
The “Showtime” Lakers of the 1980s were known for their fast-paced, high-flying style of basketball, and Abdul-Jabbar was at the heart of it all. Although Magic Johnson often received much of the spotlight due to his charismatic personality and flashy play, Abdul-Jabbar remained the team’s anchor, particularly on defense and in the post.
The Lakers’ first championship of the Showtime era came in 1980, with Abdul-Jabbar winning his sixth and final MVP award during the regular season. He averaged 24.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game that season, but an ankle injury in Game 5 of the Finals prevented him from playing in the decisive Game 6. In his absence, Magic Johnson famously stepped in to play center, leading the Lakers to victory and winning Finals MVP. Although Magic stole the show, Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance throughout the season and playoffs was a key reason the Lakers won the title.
Throughout the 1980s, the Lakers and Boston Celtics would renew one of the most storied rivalries in sports. Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson battled Celtics stars Larry Bird and Robert Parish in three NBA Finals during the decade, with the Lakers winning two of those series (1985 and 1987). Abdul-Jabbar’s leadership and steady presence were critical during these matchups, and his skyhook remained one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball.
At the age of 38, during the 1985 NBA Finals, Abdul-Jabbar delivered one of his most memorable performances. After being criticized for his play in Game 1 of the series, he responded with a dominant 30-point, 17-rebound, and 8-assist performance in Game 2, leading the Lakers to victory. The Lakers went on to win the series, securing Abdul-Jabbar’s third NBA Finals MVP award.
Abdul-Jabbar would add two more championships to his resume in 1987 and 1988, making him a six-time NBA champion by the end of his career. By this point, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had solidified his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in history. Despite the physical toll of age, Abdul-Jabbar remained effective through his unparalleled skill, basketball IQ, and the effectiveness of his signature skyhook, which no defense seemed able to stop even in his late 30s and early 40s.
His longevity in the NBA was remarkable. He played for 20 seasons, retiring in 1989 at the age of 42. At the time of his retirement, he was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record that stood for over 30 years. In addition to his scoring prowess, Abdul-Jabbar also finished his career ranked near the top in rebounds, blocks, and minutes played, further illustrating his dominance and durability over two decades.
Retirement and Post-Basketball Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s influence did not stop when he retired from professional basketball. In many ways, his retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Abdul-Jabbar shifted his focus to writing, social activism, coaching, and philanthropy, continuing to make a significant impact off the court.
A prolific writer, Abdul-Jabbar authored several books on a variety of subjects, including African American history, his personal experiences, and reflections on basketball. His first book, “Giant Steps”, an autobiography written in 1983, detailed his experiences as an athlete and his journey through life. He later penned books such as “Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII’s Forgotten Heroes”, and “On the Shoulders of Giants”, both of which highlighted the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture. Abdul-Jabbar has written extensively about social justice, race, and religion, often contributing essays to prominent publications like TIME, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
In addition to his writing, Abdul-Jabbar has remained active in television and film. His famous role in the movie “Airplane!” in 1980, where he humorously played a version of himself, showed a different side of the usually serious basketball player and earned him lasting recognition beyond the basketball court. He also made guest appearances on various television shows over the years, showcasing his versatility as a public figure.
As a social activist, Abdul-Jabbar has continued to use his platform to advocate for social justice and equality. He has been a vocal supporter of movements like Black Lives Matter and has consistently spoken out against racial injustice, inequality, and discrimination. His advocacy for education and cultural understanding has also been a central theme in his post-basketball career. In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of both his contributions to basketball and his work as a cultural ambassador and activist.
Abdul-Jabbar has also worked in basketball as a coach and mentor. Despite his status as one of the greatest players in history, Abdul-Jabbar struggled to find a head coaching position in the NBA. Nevertheless, he served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics and worked closely with young players, including tutoring Lakers’ center Andrew Bynum, who credited Abdul-Jabbar with helping him improve his game.
Throughout his life, Abdul-Jabbar has been deeply committed to education, both for himself and others. He earned a degree in history from UCLA and has been a strong proponent of lifelong learning. He has consistently emphasized the importance of education, particularly for young African Americans, and has worked with numerous organizations to promote literacy, mentorship, and academic achievement.
Legacy and Impact on the Game
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy in the NBA is profound and multifaceted. Statistically, he remains one of the most accomplished players in league history. His 38,387 career points, six MVP awards, six NBA championships, and 19 All-Star selections make him one of the most decorated athletes of all time. His iconic skyhook is considered one of the most unstoppable and efficient scoring moves in basketball history, and his longevity set a standard for endurance and consistency.
Beyond the numbers, Abdul-Jabbar’s influence on the game of basketball is immeasurable. As a towering center with the ability to score, defend, and pass, he helped redefine the role of the big man in the NBA. His work ethic, professionalism, and approach to the game were models for future generations of players. His influence can be seen in players like Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan, all of whom have cited Abdul-Jabbar as a source of inspiration.
Perhaps even more important than his basketball legacy is Abdul-Jabbar’s impact as a social and cultural figure. He was one of the first high-profile athletes to openly challenge societal norms, using his platform to speak out on issues of race, religion, and social justice. His conversion to Islam and his vocal advocacy for African American rights came at a time when athletes were often expected to remain silent on such issues. Abdul-Jabbar’s willingness to stand up for what he believed in, even when it was unpopular, set the stage for future generations of athletes to use their platforms for activism. Figures like LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and Megan Rapinoe have followed in his footsteps, using their celebrity to advocate for change.
Abdul-Jabbar also made a lasting impact through his work in education and his promotion of African American history. His books and public speaking engagements have helped educate generations of people about the contributions of African Americans to society and have promoted a deeper understanding of race and culture.
Personal Life and Health Struggles
In addition to his public life, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has faced personal challenges, including health struggles. In 2009, Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a rare form of blood cancer. Despite the diagnosis, Abdul-Jabbar has remained active and has used his experience to raise awareness about the disease. He has worked with various organizations to promote cancer research and has been an advocate for early detection and treatment.
Abdul-Jabbar’s personal life has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He has five children from his relationships and has often spoken about the importance of family in his life. His son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, became a doctor, while another son, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr., pursued a career in basketball.
