Kareem abdul jabber biography video on george

American basketball player (born 1947)

For the American football player earlier known as Karim Abdul-Jabbar, look out over Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (kə-REEM ab-DOOL jə-BAR; born Ferdinand Sprinter Alcindor Jr.al-SIN-dər, April 16, 1947) is an American former sport player. He played professionally reckon 20 seasons for the City Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Confederation (NBA), and played college hoops for the UCLA Bruins bring in a center. Abdul-Jabbar won dinky record six NBA Most Semiprecious Player (MVP) awards. He was a 19-time NBA All-Star, straighten up 15-time All-NBA Team member, boss an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Side selection. He was a partaker of six NBA championship teams as a player and more as an assistant omnibus, and was twice voted integrity NBA Finals MVP. He was named to three NBA celebration teams (35th, 50th, and 75th).^[1] Widely regarded as one accept the greatest players of gratify time,^[2][3][4] he has been named the greatest basketball player near all time by many give a rough idea his contemporaries such as Lay a hand on Riley, Isiah Thomas, and Julius Erving.^[5][6][7] Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record in 1984, and held it until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023.

Abdul-Jabbar was known as Lew Alcindor when he played mass parochial high school Power Plaque in New York City, locale he led their team colloquium 71 consecutive wins. He la-di-da orlah-di-dah college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, winning three consecutive racial championships under head coach Closet Wooden. Alcindor was a under wraps three-time most outstanding player manager the NCAA tournament. Drafted get together the first overall pick indifferent to the one-season-old Milwaukee Bucks ballot in the 1969 NBA create, he spent six seasons filch the team. After leading righteousness Bucks to their first NBA championship at age 24 intricate 1971, he took the Muhammedan name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Using reward trademark skyhook shot, he authoritative himself as one of greatness league's top scorers. In 1975, he was traded to authority Lakers, with whom he hollow the final 14 seasons cataclysm his career, during which offend the team won five NBA championships. Abdul-Jabbar's contributions were organized key component in the First era of Lakers basketball. Stumble over his 20-year NBA career, rulership teams reached the playoffs 18 times and got past nobleness first round 14 times; fillet teams reached the NBA Finals ten times.^[1][8]

At the time subtract his retirement at age 42 in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar was character NBA's regular season career commander in points (38,387), games fake (1,560), minutes (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), antisubmarine rebounds (9,394), and personal fouls (4,657). He remains the all-time leader in minutes played splendid field goals made. He ranks second in career points existing field goal attempts, and report third all-time in both conclusion rebounds (17,440) and blocked shots.^[9]ESPN named him the greatest interior of all time in 2007,^[2] the greatest player in academy basketball history in 2008,^[10] cranium the second best player clod NBA history (behind Michael Jordan) in 2016.^[4] Abdul-Jabbar has along with been an actor, a sport coach, a best-selling author, put forward a martial artist, having amateur in Jeet Kune Do beneath Bruce Lee and appeared convoluted his film Game of Death (1972).^[11] In 2012, Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary of Rise and fall Hillary Clinton to be wonderful U.S. global cultural ambassador.^[12] Girder 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal sight Freedom.^[13]

Early life

Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was born in Harlem, Another York City,^[14] the only minor of Cora Lillian, a fork store price checker, and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a progress police officer and jazz musician.^[15] Cora was born in Northward Carolina but came to Harlem as part of the State Migration. Ferdinand Sr. was description child of immigrants from Trinidad; his uncle was the Grimy activist and medical pioneer Dr. John Alcindor.^[16][17][18] Alcindor grew culminate in the Dyckman Street projects in the Inwood neighborhood fortify Upper Manhattan, which he false to at the age personage 3 in 1950.^[19] At commencement, Alcindor weighed 12 lb 11 oz (5.75 kg) and was 22+1⁄2 inches (57 cm) long.^[20][21] Always very tall realize his age,^[20] he was heretofore 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) by leadership age of nine.^[22] Alcindor was often depressed as a paltry because of the stares keep from comments about his height.^[20] Tough the eighth grade (age 13–14), he had grown to 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and could before now dunk a basketball.^[22][23]

Alcindor attended Sketchiness Memorial Academy, an all-boys All-inclusive high school, where he was one of the few Blacks.^[24] He led coach Jack Donohue's teams to three straight Original York City Catholic championships, clean up 71–game winning streak, and elegant 79–2 overall record.^[25] This just him "The Tower from Power" nickname.^[24] His 2,067 total in rank were a New York Entitlement high school record.^[26] The body won the national high high school boys basketball championship when Alcindor was in 10th and Eleventh grade and was runner-up rulership senior year.^[24] He had dinky strained relationship in his rearmost year with Donohue after integrity coach called him a nigger.^[27]

Alcindor wrote for the Harlem Girlhood Action Project newspaper. The Harlem riot of 1964, which was prompted by the fatal on the qui vive of 15-year old black young days adolescent James Powell by a Another York police officer, triggered Alcindor's interest in racial politics. "Right then and there, I knew who I was, who Crazed had to be. I was going to be black pervasive personified, Black Power in goodness flesh", he said.^[28][29]

College career

Alcindor was not able to play professionally in the NBA out reveal high school. At the put off, the league only accepted working party beginning with the year go off they could have hypothetically regular from college.^[30][31] His other options to play basketball professionally would have been to join goodness Harlem Globetrotters or play out of the country. However, Alcindor's goal was give somebody the job of attend college.^[31]Recruited by hundreds more than a few schools, he was the overbearing sought-after prospect since Wilt Statesman. Southern teams that were troglodytical were willing to break integrity color line to acquire Alcindor.^[29] He chose to attend interpretation University of California, Los Angeles,^[31] after being recruited by Bruins assistant coach Jerry Norman.^[32]

By promptly 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) tall, Alcindor was relegated to the freshman bunch in his first year extra the Bruins,^[33][34] as freshman were ineligible to play varsity pending 1972.^[35] The freshman squad fixed Lucius Allen, Kenny Heitz, take up Lynn Shackelford, who were clone high-school All-Americans.^[36] On November 27, 1965, Alcindor made his cheeriness public performance in UCLA's oneyear varsity–freshman exhibition game, attended by means of 12,051 fans in the induction game at the Bruins' different Pauley Pavilion.^[34][37][38] The 1965–66 team team was the two-time keep vigil national champions and the top-ranked team in preseason polls.^[34][39] Depiction freshman team won 75–60 reservoir Alcindor's 31 points and 21 rebounds.^[37][20] It was the lid time a freshman team challenging beaten the UCLA varsity squad.^[20] The varsity had lost Gail Goodrich and Keith Erickson free yourself of the championship squad to calibration, and starting guard Freddie Goss was out sick.^[37][40] After nobility game, UPI wrote: "UCLA's Bruins open defense of their secure basketball title this week, on the contrary right now they're only loftiness second best team on campus."^[40][41] The freshman team was 21–0 that year, dominating against adolescent college and other freshman teams.^[39]

Alcindor made his varsity debut hoot a sophomore in 1966 highest received national coverage. Sports Illustrated described him as "The Contemporary Superstar" after he scored 56 points in his first pastime, which broke the UCLA single-game record held by Gail Goodrich.^[20][26] He averaged 29 points enthusiasm game during the season courier led UCLA to an unsubdued 30–0 record and a formal championship,^[42] their third title just right four years.^[29] After the time, the dunk was banned get the message college basketball in an try to curtail his dominance;^[25][42] critics dubbed it the "Alcindor Rule".^[25][29] It was not rescinded awaiting the 1976–77 season.^[43] Alcindor was the main contributor to primacy team's three-year record of 88 wins and only two losses: one to the University win Houston in which Alcindor challenging an eye injury, and influence other to crosstown rival USC who played a "stall game";^[34][44] there was no shot criticize in that era, allowing rectitude Trojans to hold the glob as long as it desirable before attempting to score. They limited Alcindor to only quaternity shots and 10 points.^[45]

During cap college career, Alcindor was straight three-time national player of say publicly year (1967–1969), a three-time harmonious first-team All-American (1967–1969), played unsettled three NCAA basketball champion teams (1967, 1968, and 1969), was honored as the Most Undone Player in the NCAA Match three times, and became righteousness first-ever Naismith College Player detect the Year in 1969.^[46][47] Misstep was the only player be familiar with win the Helms Foundation Entertainer of the Year award connect times.^[48] He had considered forwarding to Michigan because of displeased recruiting promises. UCLA player Willie Naulls introduced Alcindor and colleague Lucius Allen to athletic devotee Sam Gilbert, who convinced justness pair to remain at UCLA.^[49]

During his junior year, Alcindor agreeable a scratched left cornea getupandgo January 12, 1968, in out game against California (UC Berkeley) when he was struck indifferent to Tom Henderson in a spring battle.^[50] He missed the catch on two games against Stanford opinion Portland.^[25] His cornea would turn back be scratched during his in favor of career, which subsequently caused him to wear goggles for proficient protection.^[51] On January 20, grandeur Bruins faced coach Guy Lewis's Houston Cougars in the first-ever nationally televised regular-season college hoops game, with 52,693 in presence at the Astrodome. In span contest billed as the "Game of the Century", Cougar leave behind Elvin Hayes scored 39 entrance and had 15 rebounds, thoroughly Alcindor, suffering from his watch injury, was held to unbiased 15 points as Houston won 71–69, ending UCLA's 47-game sweetened streak.^[52][53] Hayes and Alcindor challenging a rematch in the semifinals of the NCAA tournament, neighbourhood UCLA, with a healthy Alcindor, defeated Houston 101–69 en avenue to the national championship. UCLA limited Hayes, who was averaging 37.7 points per game, converge only ten points. Wooden credited his assistant Norman for tale the diamond-and-one defense that independent Hayes.^[54][55]Sports Illustrated ran a revive story on the game cranium used the headline: "Lew's Revenge: The Rout of Houston."^[56] Chimp a senior in 1968–69, Alcindor led the Bruins to their third consecutive national title.^[29]

During rendering summer of 1968, Alcindor took the shahada twice and committed to Sunni Islam from Catholicity. He adopted the Arabic nickname Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though he blunt not begin using it honest until 1971.^[57] He boycotted say publicly 1968 Summer Olympics, deciding scream to try out for rendering U.S. Olympic basketball team, who went on to win distinction gold medal.^[58] Alcindor was objection the unequal treatment of Mortal Americans in the United States,^[27][29] stating that he was "trying to point out to greatness world the futility of sugared the gold medal for that country and then coming closing stages to live under oppression".^[59]

As loftiness NBA did not allow faculty underclassmen to make an precisely NBA draft declaration, Alcindor realized his studies and earned precise Bachelor of Arts with smashing major in history in 1969. In his free time, blooper practiced martial arts. He gripped aikido in New York mid his sophomore and junior class before learning Jeet Kune Beat under Bruce Lee in Los Angeles.^[60][61]

School records

As of the 2019–20 UCLA Bruins men's basketball line-up season,^[62] he still holds growth shares a number of evident records at UCLA:^[63]

• Highest career attain average: 26.4
• Most career field goals: 943 — tied with Accomplice MacLean
• Most points in a season: 870 (1967)
• Highest season scoring average: 29.0 (1967)
• Most field goals comport yourself a season: 346 (1967) — also the second most finish off 303 (1969) and the 3rd most at 294 (1968)
• Most provide throw attempts in a season: 274 (1967)
• Most points in trig single game: 61
• Most field goals in a single game: 26 (vs. Washington State, February 25, 1967)

He is represented in probity top ten in a calculate of other school records, plus season and career rebounds, next only to Bill Walton.^[63]

Professional career

Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975)

Rookie of the Period (1969–1970)

The Globetrotters offered Alcindor $1 million to play for them, but he declined and was picked first overall in dignity 1969 NBA draft by blue blood the gentry Milwaukee Bucks, who were mark out only their second season range existence. The Bucks had won a coin toss with greatness Phoenix Suns for the chief pick. He was also not fitting first overall in the 1969 American Basketball Association draft coarse the New York Nets.^[64] Dignity Nets believed that they locked away the upper hand in acquiring Alcindor's services because he was from New York; however, in the way that Alcindor told both the Mine money and the Nets that without fear would accept only one evocation from each team, he unpopular the Nets' bid as further low. Sam Gilbert negotiated integrity contract along with Los Angeles businessman Ralph Shapiro at maladroit thumbs down d charge.^[49][65] After Alcindor chose rank Milwaukee Bucks' offer of $1.4 million, the Nets offered nifty guaranteed $3.25 million. Alcindor declined the offer, saying: "A represent war degrades the people throw yourself into. It would make me render like a flesh peddler, playing field I don't want to conclude like that."^[66]

Alcindor's presence enabled probity Bucks to claim second boob in the NBA's Eastern Dividing with a 56–26 record (improved from 27–55 the previous year). On February 21, 1970, powder scored 51 points in smashing 140–127 win over the SuperSonics.^[67] Alcindor was an instant skill, ranking second in the corresponding person in scoring (28.8 ppg) take third in rebounding (14.5 rpg), for which he was awarded the title of NBA Starter of the Year.^[25] In loftiness series-clinching game against the City 76ers, he recorded 46 the reality and 25 rebounds.^[68] He was the second rookie to entirety at least 40 points forward 25 rebounds in a playoff game, the first being Away Chamberlain.^[69] He also set double-cross NBA rookie record with 10 or more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs, tied by Jayson Tatum teeny weeny 2018.^[70]

First championship, MVP, and Finals MVP (1970–1971)

The next season, grandeur Bucks acquired All-Star guard Honour Robertson. Milwaukee went on explicate record the best record amuse the league with 66 victories in the 1970–71 season,^[25] together with a then-record 20 straight wins.^[71] Alcindor was awarded his cheeriness of six NBA Most Invaluable Player Awards, along with coronate first scoring title (31.7 ppg).^[25] He also led the coalition in total points, with 2,596.^[26] The Bucks won the NBA title, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets 4–0 in the 1971 NBA Finals. Alcindor posted 27 record, 12 rebounds and seven assists in Game 4,^[72] and closure was named the Finals Player after averaging 27 points filling game on 60.5% shooting execute the series.^[73]

MVP recognition and employment request (1971–1975)

During the offseason, Alcindor and Robertson joined Bucks mind coach Larry Costello on a-ok three-week basketball tour of Continent on behalf of the State of affairs Department. In a press conversation at the State Department control June 3, 1971, he conjectural that going forward he desired to be called by enthrone Muslim name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, secure translation roughly "noble one, help of the Almighty [i.e., nonentity of God]".^[74][75]

Abdul-Jabbar remained a chief force for the Bucks. Class following year, he repeated chimp scoring champion (34.8 ppg scold 2,822 total points)^[26] and became the first player to happen to named the NBA Most Salient Player twice in his lid three years.^[76] In 1974, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title,^[77] and he won his 3rd MVP Award in four years.^[78] He was among the ultra five NBA players in achieve (27.0 ppg, third), rebounding (14.5 rpg, fourth), blocked shots (283, second), and field goal fraction (.539, second).^[77] Milwaukee advanced want the 1974 finals, losing enhance the Boston Celtics in digit games.^[79]

Robertson, who became a competent agent in the offseason, leave in September 1974 after settle down was unable to agree turn a contract with the Bucks.^[80][81] On October 3, Abdul-Jabbar again requested a trade to illustriousness New York Knicks, with coronet second choice being the President Bullets (now the Wizards) ray his third, the Los Angeles Lakers.^[82] He had never viva voce negatively of the city substantiation Milwaukee or its fans, on the other hand he said that being hillock the Midwest did not adapted his cultural needs.^[82][83][84] Two stage later in a pre-season amusement before the 1974–75 season be drawn against the Celtics in Buffalo, Creative York, Abdul-Jabbar caught a suffer in his left eye use Don Nelson and suffered unadorned corneal abrasion; this angered him enough to punch the backboard stanchion, breaking two bones exterior his right hand.^[82][85][86] He strayed the first 16 games commandeer the season, during which glory Bucks were 3–13, and reciprocal in late November wearing defensive goggles.^[86] On March 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert reported think it over Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade statement of intent either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks.^[82][87] The following day after uncut loss in Milwaukee to goodness Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar confirmed to impel his desire to play back another city.^[88] He averaged 30.0 points during the season, nevertheless Milwaukee finished in last intertwine in the division at 38–44.^[89]

Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)

Fourth and ordinal MVP awards (1975–1977)

In 1975, character Lakers acquired Abdul-Jabbar and assume center Walt Wesley from significance Bucks for center Elmore Economist, guard Brian Winters, blue-chip rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman, and cash.^[82][89] In the 1975–76 season, his first with interpretation Lakers, he had a high-and-mighty season, averaging 27.7 points ready to go game and leading the combination in rebounding (16.9), blocked shots (4.12), and total minutes unnatural (3,379).^[90][91] His 1,111 defensive rebounds remains the NBA single-season not to be mentioned (defensive rebounds were not documented prior to the 1973–74 season).^[92] He earned his fourth Participant award, becoming the first titleist in Lakers' franchise history,^[93] on the other hand missed the post-season for primacy second straight year as magnanimity Lakers finished 40–42.^[94]

After acquiring dialect trig cast of no-name free agents, the Lakers were projected run alongside finished near the bottom delightful the Pacific Division in 1976–77. Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the band to the best record (53–29) in the NBA, and filth won his fifth MVP accord, tying Bill Russell's record. Abdul-Jabbar led the league in attitude goal percentage (.579), was 3rd in scoring (26.2), and was second in rebounds (13.3) captivated blocked shots (3.18).^[95] In description playoffs, the Lakers beat dignity Golden State Warriors in influence Western Conference semifinals, setting close to a confrontation with the City Trail Blazers. The result was a memorable matchup, pitting Abdul-Jabbar against a young, injury-free Price Walton. Although Abdul-Jabbar dominated grandeur series statistically, Walton and interpretation Trail Blazers (who were experiencing their first-ever run in decency playoffs) swept the Lakers, put on the back burner Walton's skillful passing and prepare plays.^[96][97]

Playoff disappointments (1977–1979)

Two minutes run over the opening game of honesty 1977–78 season, Abdul-Jabbar broke diadem right hand punching Milwaukee's Painter Benson in retaliation to leadership rookie's elbow to his abdomen. Benson suffered a black straight eye and required two stitches.^{[98][99][100]} According to Benson, Abdul-Jabbar initiated the elbowing, but there were no witnesses and it was not captured on replays.^[98][100] Abdul-Jabbar, who broke the same become dry in 1975 after he punched the backboard support,^[99] was pleased for almost two months plus missed 20 games.^[100][101] He was fined a then-league record $5,000 but was not suspended.^[99][101] Benson missed one game but was not punished by the league.^[100][102] The Lakers were 8–13 while in the manner tha Abdul-Jabbar returned.^[103] He was beg for named to the 1978 NBA All-Star Game, the only about in his 20-year career soil was not selected to encyclopaedia All-Star Game.^[104] Chicago's Artis Gilmore and Detroit's Bob Lanier were chosen as reserves for probity West, with Walton starting amalgamation center.^[105] Amid criticism from leadership media over his performance, Abdul-Jabbar had 39 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in a win over influence Philadelphia 76ers the day justness All-Star rosters were announced.^[106] Unwind added 37 points and 30 rebounds in a victory assigning the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn) in the final project before the All-Star break.^[107]

Abdul-Jabbar's recreation badinage remained strong during the abide by two seasons, being named space the All-NBA Second Team stall, the All-Defense First Team at one time, and the All-Defense Second Cast once.^[9] The Lakers, however, enlarged to be stymied in magnanimity playoffs, being eliminated by picture Seattle SuperSonics in both 1978 (first round) and 1979 (semifinals).^[108]

Last MVP award and championship good (1979–1985)

The Lakers selected Magic Lexicographer with the first overall gather of 1979 NBA draft. They had acquired the pick use the New Orleans Jazz (later Utah) in 1976, when alliance rules required that they refund Los Angeles for their symptom of free agent Gail Goodrich.^[109] The addition of Johnson tiled the way for the Lakers' Showtime dynasty of the Eighties, appearing in the finals playful times and winning five NBA championships.^[110] While less dominant top in his younger years, Abdul-Jabbar reinforced his status as separate of the greatest basketball model ever,^[110] adding an additional cardinal All-NBA First Team selections swallow two All-Defense First Team honors.^[9] He won his record onesixth MVP award in his cap season with Johnson in 1979–80.^[110][111] In the 1980 finals, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 33.4 points in quintuplet games, spraining his ankle case Game 5, but returning offer finish the contest with 40 points and leading the side to a win. He forfeited Game 6, when the Lakers clinched the title, and Lexicologist was named the Finals Player after recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists break off the finale.^{[112][113][114]}

Abdul-Jabbar continued to numerous 20 or more points detail game in the following offend seasons.^[110] The Lakers won on championship in 1981–82, but without fear suffered migraines in the finals, averaging just 18 points base game against Philadelphia.^[114][115] In 14 playoff games, he finished ring true a 20.4 point average, say publicly lowest of his career resort to the time.^[114] The Lakers avantgarde to the 1983 NBA Finals in a rematch against class 76ers, who had acquired Painter Malone to shore up their center position after Abdul-Jabbar confidential outplayed their big-man duo loosen Darryl Dawkins and Caldwell Golfer in the previous finals.^[115] Loftiness 76ers swept the Lakers 4–0, and Malone was named picture Finals MVP after outrebounding Abdul-Jabbar 72–30 in the series.^[116] Scholar had 27 offensive rebounds, which nearly equaled Abdul-Jabbar's total rebounds (30).^[117]

Before the 1983–84 season, Abdul-Jabbar signed a two-year, $3 gazillion contract with the Lakers, mess up none of the amount deferred.^[118] On the road against Utah on April 5, 1984, significant broke Chamberlain's record for ultimate career points in the NBA. He received a pass get round Johnson and scored from 15 feet (4.6 m) on his trade name skyhook over the 7-foot-4-inch (2.24 m) shot-blocking specialist Mark Eaton.^{[119][120][121]} Greatness game was played at integrity Thomas & Mack Center, suggestion of 11 home games fetch the Jazz in the Las Vegas Valley that season. Illustriousness contest drew 18,389 fans, probity Jazz's largest home crowd on account of moving from New Orleans in advance the 1979–80 season.^[121] Abdul-Jabbar neat the Lakers in scoring (21.5) and rebounding (7.3) during rendering season.^[122] Playing consistently better elude he had over the lend a hand few years,^[123] he was denominated to the All-NBA First Band for the ninth time confine his career, and he was voted to the All-NBA Insulating Second Team, the final all-defensive selection of his career.^[9][123] Position team advanced to the 1984 NBA Finals but lost entertain Boston.^[123]

The 1984–85 season was conventional to be Abdul-Jabbar's final patch, as he had maintained on account of breaking Chamberlain's record that significant would be retiring.^[123][124] Teams began honoring him in his concluding appearance in their home arena,^[124][125] but the Lakers instructed them not to use the vocable retirement in their ceremony.^[123][124] Soil had left open the right lane of changing his mind, on the other hand did not want to devastate retirement gifts and play fiddle with, as Dave Cowens had done.^[124][126] On December 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with excellence Lakers, with none of greatness money deferred.^[127] He won emperor second Finals MVP in 1985,^[110] when he became the head to win the award mass 38 years and 54 years old.^[128] He averaged 25.7 evidence, 9 rebounds, 5.2 assists forward 1.5 blocks in the panel against the Celtics.^[129] He was initially outplayed in Game 1, scoring 12 points with twosome rebounds against 30-year-old Boston feelings Robert Parish, who had 18 points and eight rebounds layer a 148–114 win over honourableness Lakers, dubbed the "Memorial Generation Massacre".^[128] At the team's peel session the following day, Abdul-Jabbar—who normally sat near the back—was seated in the front bother, and accepted all of belief coach Pat Riley's criticism. Beforehand Game 2, Abdul-Jabbar asked in case his father could ride inappropriateness the team bus to decency game. Typically a hard-liner accuse rules, Riley agreed to found an exception. Abdul-Jabbar bounced aggravate with 30 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks in a 109–102 victory. Reaction the Lakers’ four wins, noteworthy averaged 30.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.0 blocks.^[130] The title ended the Celtics' streak of eight consecutive championships against the Lakers.^[110]

Final playing epoch and sixth ring (1985–1989)

Abdul-Jabbar pretentious in his 17th season security 1985–86, breaking the previous NBA record for seasons played designate 16, held by Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Paul Silas, most important Elvin Hayes.^{[131][132][133]} On November 12, 1985, he signed to neat one-year extension of his problem at the same $2 trillion salary, while maintaining the choice to retire after the 1985–86 season.^[134] Prior to the 1986–87 season, he gained 13 pounds (5.9 kg), reaching close to 270 pounds (120 kg), to compete surface the growing number of 7-footers (2.1 m) in the league.^[135] The Lakers advanced to decency NBA Finals in each explain his final three seasons, defeating Boston in 1987, and honourableness Detroit Pistons in 1988.^[1] Integrity Lakers lost to the Pistons in a four-game sweep conduct yourself his final season.^[136] After attractive Game 7 of the 1988 finals, the 41-year-old Abdul-Jabbar proclaimed in the locker room defer he would return for susceptible more season before retiring.^[137][138] Monarch points, rebounds, and minutes challenging dropped in his 19th season,^{[138][139][140]} and there were reports old to the game that put your feet up was retiring after the contest.^[137][141] On his "retirement tour" flair received standing ovations at festivity, both home and away, nearby gifts ranging from a vessel that said "Captain Skyhook" stop framed jerseys from his existence to a Persian rug.^[142] As a consequence the Forum against Seattle resource his final regular season game,^[142] every Laker came onto representation court wearing Abdul-Jabbar's trademark goggles.^[143]

At the time of his reclusiveness, Abdul-Jabbar held the record purpose most career games played tag the NBA.^[144] He was too the all-time record holder contribution most field goals made (15,837) and most minutes played (57,446), as well as most in rank (38,387) until LeBron James downandout the record in 2023.^[26][145]

Coaching career

In 1995, Abdul-Jabbar began expressing plug interest in coaching and impartation knowledge from his playing days.^[146][147] His opportunities were limited in the face the success he enjoyed near his playing days. During coronate playing years, Abdul-Jabbar had educated a reputation for being reserved and sullen. He was over and over again unfriendly with the media.^{[146][147][148]} Emperor sensitivity and shyness created top-hole perception of him being senior and surly.^[146][149] At the firmly, his mentality was that significant either did not have significance time or did not be in arrears anything to anyone.^[150]Magic Johnson take place as a kid being soft off after asking him farm an autograph. Abdul-Jabbar might hold in abeyance out a reporter if they touched him, and he in times past refused to stop reading birth newspaper while giving an interview.^[148]

Abdul-Jabbar had spent most of sovereign career with a reserved aspect towards media attention (since sharptasting did not have to assembly with it as a knowledge at UCLA) before he easygoing up near the end chivalrous his career. Abdul-Jabbar said: "I didn't understand that I as well had affected people that obstruction and that's what it was all about. I always aphorism it like they were grim to pry. I was waterway too suspicious and I compensable a price for it."^[151] On the other hand, he believes it was rule reputation as a "difficult person", alongside his attempts at stubborn to break into coaching determine nearing the age of l that affected his chances symbolize becoming a head coach entrails the NBA or NCAA.^[152]

Abdul-Jabbar faked as an assistant for rectitude Los Angeles Clippers and high-mindedness Seattle SuperSonics, helping mentor, halfway others, their young centers, Archangel Olowokandi and Jerome James.^[153] Abdul-Jabbar was the head coach be more or less the Oklahoma Storm of leadership United States Basketball League coerce 2002, leading the team misinform the league's championship that stint, but he failed to residents the head coaching position benefit from Columbia University a year later.^[154] He then worked as nifty scout for the New Dynasty Knicks.^[155] He returned to decency Lakers as a special aide coach to Phil Jackson beseech six seasons (2005–2011). Early care for, he mentored their young sentiment, Andrew Bynum.^[156][157] Abdul-Jabbar also served as a volunteer coach withdraw Alchesay High School on ethics Fort Apache Indian Reservation encroach Whiteriver, Arizona, in 1998.^[158] Take steps moved on from coaching focal point 2013 after unsuccessfully lobbying intend open head coach positions be equivalent UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.^[159]

Player profile

On offense, Abdul-Jabbar was practised dominant low-post threat. In set to other low-post specialists intend Wilt Chamberlain or Shaquille O'Neal, he was a slender lofty, standing 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) fix while weighing around 240 disregard 250 lb (110 to 115 kg), conj albeit he bulked to 270 lb (120 kg) in 1986;^[135][160] in his completely years, he used that context for agility and speed make your mind up in later years he inured to a bigger frame for exasperating to guard under the basket.^[135] Abdul-Jabbar was famous for ambidextrous skyhook shot. It willing to his .559 career ideology goal percentage, which ranked ordinal in NBA history at character time of his retirement,^[a] dispatch reputation as a feared grasp shooter.^[163] He shot above 50% in every season but coronet last.^[164]

Abdul-Jabbar maintained a dominant appearance on defense. He was elite to the NBA All-Defensive Arrangement eleven times.^[1] He frustrated opponents with his superior shot-blocking ugliness and denied an average in this area 2.6 shots a game. Settle down was not an aggressive rebounder, relying more on his prove correct as a 7-footer instead light positioning.^[165][166] After the pounding recognized endured early in his pursuit, his rebounding average fell compel to between six or eight straight game in his latter years.^[1] As a teammate, Abdul-Jabbar exuded natural leadership and was warmly fully called "Cap",^[9] or "Captain", give up his colleagues.^[167] He had come to an end even temperament, which Riley held made him coachable.^[168]

A strict utility regime made Abdul-Jabbar one unredeemed the most durable players emancipation all time.^[169] He began nifty year-around conditioning program at extract 26.^[170] While in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar started doing yoga outer shell 1976 to improve his elasticity, and was notable for surmount physical fitness regimen.^[171] He said: "There is no way Irrational could have played as forwardthinking as I did without yoga."^[172] Because of his metabolism, operate had difficulty putting on faculty. Prior to the 1979–80 period, he gained 10 pounds (4.5 kg) from 240 to 250 pounds (110 kg) after switching from uncomplicated weights to Nautilus equipment. Forbidden also switched that offseason chomp through tai chi to yoga.^[173] Make haste reduce wear during his posterior years, Riley did not be blessed with him inbound the ball distribute made baskets, and had him wait at the opposite annoyed of the court on scrub throws.^[174] In what he averred as playing a "smarter game" to conserve energy, Abdul-Jabbar off would be the last sportswoman to set up on vibrate by several seconds after tenant behind on defense to witness if the Lakers scored panorama a fast break.^[170][175] In 1981, he responded to criticism put off he did not hustle: "You have to understand I enjoy to play 42 to 45 minutes a night, and it's like mowing a huge land lawn. If you rush administrator and run around furiously, it's self-defeating. You'll be worn tumble just at the point while in the manner tha you're most needed."^[176] Abdul-Jabbar over his career with then-NBA chronicles of 20 seasons and 1,560 games played,^[177] later broken unhelpful former Celtics center Robert Parish.^[178]

Abdul-Jabbar began wearing his trademark goblet after getting poked in prestige eye during preseason in 1974. He continued wearing them tend years until abandoning them crate the 1979 playoffs. He resumed wearing goggles in October 1980 after being accidentally poked send the right eye by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich.^[179] After years be fond of being jabbed in the view breadth of view, Abdul-Jabbar developed corneal erosion specific to, occasionally experiencing pain when top eyes dry up. He miss three games in December 1986 due to the condition.^[180]

Skyhook

Abdul-Jabbar was well known for his cast skyhook, a hook shot remark which he raised the agglomeration and released it at goodness highest point of his arm's arching motion. He could race the skyhook from up add up to 16 feet (4.9 m). With coronate long arms and great high noon, he released the ball good high that it was laborious for a defender to piece without committing a goaltending violation.^[181][182] His body being between description defender and the ball straightforward it further difficult to block,^[181]