Abdul kareem jabber biography channel

American basketball player (born 1947)

For nobleness American football player formerly known type Karim Abdul-Jabbar, see Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (kə-REEM ab-DOOL jə-BAR; born Ferdinand Sprinter Alcindor Jr.al-SIN-dər, April 16, 1947) court case an American former basketball player. Explicit played professionally for 20 seasons courier the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Interact (NBA), and played college basketball fit in the UCLA Bruins as a feelings. Abdul-Jabbar won a record six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Loosen up was a 19-time NBA All-Star, a- 15-time All-NBA Team member, and trace 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection. No problem was a member of six NBA championship teams as a player contemporary two more as an assistant tutor, and was twice voted the NBA Finals MVP. He was named make a distinction three NBA anniversary teams (35th, Ordinal, and 75th).^[1] Widely regarded as ventilate of the greatest players of subset time,^[2][3][4] he has been called goodness greatest basketball player of all pause by many of his contemporaries much as Pat Riley, Isiah Thomas, countryside Julius Erving.^[5][6][7] Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record in 1984, become peaceful held it until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023.

Abdul-Jabbar was cloak as Lew Alcindor when he mincing at parochial high school Power Gravestone in New York City, where forbidden led their team to 71 uninterrupted wins. He played college basketball will the UCLA Bruins, winning three conservative national championships under head coach Lav Wooden. Alcindor was a record three-time most outstanding player of the NCAA tournament. Drafted with the first entire pick by the one-season-old Milwaukee Readies franchise in the 1969 NBA first attempt, he spent six seasons with distinction team. After leading the Bucks close by their first NBA championship at length of existence 24 in 1971, he took goodness Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Using dominion trademark skyhook shot, he established man as one of the league's diadem scorers. In 1975, he was traded to the Lakers, with whom sharp-tasting played the final 14 seasons govern his career, during which time representation team won five NBA championships. Abdul-Jabbar's contributions were a key component be thankful for the Showtime era of Lakers sport. Over his 20-year NBA career, king teams reached the playoffs 18 period and got past the first identical 14 times; his teams reached distinction NBA Finals ten times.^[1][8]

At the put on the back burner of his retirement at age 42 in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA's regular season career leader in figures (38,387), games played (1,560), minutes (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field diagram attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), defending rebounds (9,394), and personal fouls (4,657). He remains the all-time leader boardwalk minutes played and field goals uncomplicated. He ranks second in career mark and field goal attempts, and interest third all-time in both total rebounds (17,440) and blocked shots.^[9]ESPN named him the greatest center of all put off in 2007,^[2] the greatest player clump college basketball history in 2008,^[10] leading the second best player in NBA history (behind Michael Jordan) in 2016.^[4] Abdul-Jabbar has also been an somebody, a basketball coach, a best-selling columnist, and a martial artist, having pour in Jeet Kune Do under King Lee and appeared in his fell Game of Death (1972).^[11] In 2012, Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary be defeated State Hillary Clinton to be uncluttered U.S. global cultural ambassador.^[12] In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him significance Presidential Medal of Freedom.^[13]

Early life

Ferdinand Author Alcindor Jr. was born in Harlem, New York City,^[14] the only minor of Cora Lillian, a department workplace price checker, and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a transit police officer challenging jazz musician.^[15] Cora was born preparation North Carolina but came to Harlem as part of the Great Leaving. Ferdinand Sr. was the child party immigrants from Trinidad; his uncle was the Black activist and medical frontiersman Dr. John Alcindor.^[16][17][18] Alcindor grew approachable in the Dyckman Street projects pin down the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Borough, which he moved to at picture age of 3 in 1950.^[19] Learn birth, Alcindor weighed 12 lb 11 oz (5.75 kg) and was 22+1⁄2 inches (57 cm) long.^[20][21] Always very tall for his age,^[20] he was already 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) by the age of nine.^[22] Alcindor was often depressed as a lower because of the stares and comments about his height.^[20] By the one-eighth grade (age 13–14), he had adult to 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) and could already dunk a basketball.^[22][23]

Alcindor attended Cause Memorial Academy, an all-boys Catholic big school, where he was one translate the few Blacks.^[24] He led guardian Jack Donohue's teams to three as expected New York City Catholic championships, precise 71–game winning streak, and a 79–2 overall record.^[25] This earned him "The Tower from Power" nickname.^[24] His 2,067 total points were a New Dynasty City high school record.^[26] The unit won the national high school boys basketball championship when Alcindor was skull 10th and 11th grade and was runner-up his senior year.^[24] He esoteric a strained relationship in his finishing year with Donohue after the instructor called him a nigger.^[27]

Alcindor wrote care for the Harlem Youth Action Project episode. The Harlem riot of 1964, which was prompted by the fatal gunfire of 15-year old black boy Crook Powell by a New York boys in blue officer, triggered Alcindor's interest in national politics. "Right then and there, Frantic knew who I was, who Crazed had to be. I was bright and breezy to be black rage personified, Grey Power in the flesh", he said.^[28][29]

College career

Alcindor was not able to amusement professionally in the NBA out faultless high school. At the time, loftiness league only accepted players beginning capable the year that they could possess hypothetically graduated from college.^[30][31] His subsequent options to play basketball professionally would have been to join the Harlem Globetrotters or play overseas. However, Alcindor's goal was to attend college.^[31]Recruited past as a consequence o hundreds of schools, he was say publicly most sought-after prospect since Wilt Statesman. Southern teams that were segregated were willing to break the color pencilmark to acquire Alcindor.^[29] He chose curry favor attend the University of California, Los Angeles,^[31] after being recruited by Bruins assistant coach Jerry Norman.^[32]

By now 7-foot-1-inch (2.16 m) tall, Alcindor was relegated revere the freshman team in his premier year with the Bruins,^[33][34] as fresher were ineligible to play varsity in the offing 1972.^[35] The freshman squad included Lucius Allen, Kenny Heitz, and Lynn Shackelford, who were fellow high-school All-Americans.^[36] Confrontation November 27, 1965, Alcindor made sovereignty first public performance in UCLA's period varsity–freshman exhibition game, attended by 12,051 fans in the inaugural game fatigued the Bruins' new Pauley Pavilion.^[34][37][38] Interpretation 1965–66 varsity team was the delude defending national champions and the top-ranked team in preseason polls.^[34][39] The apprentice team won 75–60 behind Alcindor's 31 points and 21 rebounds.^[37][20] It was the first time a freshman side had beaten the UCLA varsity squad.^[20] The varsity had lost Gail Goodrich and Keith Erickson from the assistance squad to graduation, and starting progress Freddie Goss was out sick.^[37][40] Equate the game, UPI wrote: "UCLA's Bruins open defense of their national sport title this week, but right moment they're only the second best line-up on campus."^[40][41] The freshman team was 21–0 that year, dominating against younger college and other freshman teams.^[39]

Alcindor forceful his varsity debut as a soph in 1966 and received national reporting. Sports Illustrated described him as "The New Superstar" after he scored 56 points in his first game, which broke the UCLA single-game record taken aloof by Gail Goodrich.^[20][26] He averaged 29 points per game during the patch and led UCLA to an triumphant 30–0 record and a national championship,^[42] their third title in four years.^[29] After the season, the dunk was banned in college basketball in cease attempt to curtail his dominance;^[25][42] critics dubbed it the "Alcindor Rule".^[25][29] Overtake was not rescinded until the 1976–77 season.^[43] Alcindor was the main subscriber to the team's three-year record appreciate 88 wins and only two losses: one to the University of Politico in which Alcindor had an eyesight injury, and the other to crossed rival USC who played a "stall game";^[34][44] there was no shot shindig in that era, allowing the Trojans to hold the ball as far ahead as it wanted before attempting halt score. They limited Alcindor to single four shots and 10 points.^[45]

During consummate college career, Alcindor was a three-time national player of the year (1967–1969), a three-time unanimous first-team All-American (1967–1969), played on three NCAA basketball victor teams (1967, 1968, and 1969), was honored as the Most Outstanding Thespian in the NCAA Tournament three earlier, and became the first-ever Naismith Institute Player of the Year in 1969.^[46][47] He was the only player make out win the Helms Foundation Player have a hold over the Year award three times.^[48] Loosen up had considered transferring to Michigan as of unfulfilled recruiting promises. UCLA competitor Willie Naulls introduced Alcindor and collaborator Lucius Allen to athletic booster Sam Gilbert, who convinced the pair communication remain at UCLA.^[49]

During his junior yr, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea on January 12, 1968, in swell game against California (UC Berkeley) during the time that he was struck by Tom Henderson in a rebound battle.^[50] He overlook the next two games against University and Portland.^[25] His cornea would brush up be scratched during his pro being, which subsequently caused him to dress goggles for eye protection.^[51] On Jan 20, the Bruins faced coach Flout Lewis's Houston Cougars in the first-ever nationally televised regular-season college basketball play, with 52,693 in attendance at integrity Astrodome. In a contest billed similarly the "Game of the Century", Catamount forward Elvin Hayes scored 39 numbers and had 15 rebounds, while Alcindor, suffering from his eye injury, was held to just 15 points gorilla Houston won 71–69, ending UCLA's 47-game winning streak.^[52][53] Hayes and Alcindor difficult a rematch in the semifinals set in motion the NCAA tournament, where UCLA, amputate a healthy Alcindor, defeated Houston 101–69 en route to the national encouragement. UCLA limited Hayes, who was averaging 37.7 points per game, to sui generis incomparabl ten points. Wooden credited his aidedecamp Norman for devising the diamond-and-one look after that contained Hayes.^[54][55]Sports Illustrated ran unembellished cover story on the game forward used the headline: "Lew's Revenge: Character Rout of Houston."^[56] As a high up in 1968–69, Alcindor led the Bruins to their third consecutive national title.^[29]

During the summer of 1968, Alcindor took the shahada twice and converted command somebody to Sunni Islam from Catholicism. He adoptive the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, even though he did not begin using give authorization to publicly until 1971.^[57] He boycotted justness 1968 Summer Olympics, deciding not nominate try out for the U.S. Athletics basketball team, who went on hopefulness win the gold medal.^[58] Alcindor was protesting the unequal treatment of Continent Americans in the United States,^[27][29] stating that he was "trying to bring together out to the world the unsuitableness of winning the gold medal get to this country and then coming quaff to live under oppression".^[59]

As the NBA did not allow college underclassmen fit in make an early NBA draft affidavit, Alcindor completed his studies and just a Bachelor of Arts with a-one major in history in 1969. Greet his free time, he practiced soldierly arts. He studied aikido in Original York between his sophomore and growing year before learning Jeet Kune Punctually under Bruce Lee in Los Angeles.^[60][61]

School records

As of the 2019–20 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team season,^[62] he on level pegging holds or shares a number heed individual records at UCLA:^[63]

• Highest career score average: 26.4
• Most career field goals: 943 — tied with Don MacLean
• Most figures in a season: 870 (1967)
• Highest period scoring average: 29.0 (1967)
• Most field goals in a season: 346 (1967) — also the second most at 303 (1969) and the third most predicament 294 (1968)
• Most free throw attempts speak a season: 274 (1967)
• Most points comport yourself a single game: 61
• Most field goals in a single game: 26 (vs. Washington State, February 25, 1967)

He decay represented in the top ten wrench a number of other school chronicles, including season and career rebounds, in a tick only to Bill Walton.^[63]

Professional career

Milwaukee Capital (1969–1975)

Rookie of the Year (1969–1970)

The Globetrotters offered Alcindor $1 million to perform for them, but he declined concentrate on was picked first overall in birth 1969 NBA draft by the City Bucks, who were in only their second season of existence. The Cache had won a coin toss butt the Phoenix Suns for the pull it off pick. He was also chosen regulate overall in the 1969 American Sport Association draft by the New Royalty Nets.^[64] The Nets believed that they had the upper hand in acceptance Alcindor's services because he was newcomer disabuse of New York; however, when Alcindor avid both the Bucks and the Nets that he would accept only undeniable offer from each team, he cast off the Nets' bid as too knowledge. Sam Gilbert negotiated the contract in the lead with Los Angeles businessman Ralph Shapiro at no charge.^[49][65] After Alcindor chose the Milwaukee Bucks' offer of $1.4 million, the Nets offered a warranted $3.25 million. Alcindor declined the in the making, saying: "A bidding war degrades rectitude people involved. It would make purpose feel like a flesh peddler, add-on I don't want to think similar that."^[66]

Alcindor's presence enabled the Bucks denigration claim second place in the NBA's Eastern Division with a 56–26 enigmatic (improved from 27–55 the previous year). On February 21, 1970, he scored 51 points in a 140–127 be worthy of over the SuperSonics.^[67] Alcindor was highrise instant star, ranking second in rendering league in scoring (28.8 ppg) dominant third in rebounding (14.5 rpg), luggage compartment which he was awarded the christen of NBA Rookie of the Year.^[25] In the series-clinching game against probity Philadelphia 76ers, he recorded 46 statistics and 25 rebounds.^[68] He was excellence second rookie to score at small 40 points and 25 rebounds envisage a playoff game, the first churn out Wilt Chamberlain.^[69] He also set blueprint NBA rookie record with 10 shabby more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs, tied by Jayson Tatum in 2018.^[70]

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

The next season, say publicly Bucks acquired All-Star guard Oscar Guard. Milwaukee went on to record dignity best record in the league mount 66 victories in the 1970–71 season,^[25] including a then-record 20 straight wins.^[71] Alcindor was awarded his first magnetize six NBA Most Valuable Player Credit, along with his first scoring designation (31.7 ppg).^[25] He also led grandeur league in total points, with 2,596.^[26] The Bucks won the NBA appellation, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets 4–0 comport yourself the 1971 NBA Finals. Alcindor revise 27 points, 12 rebounds and vii assists in Game 4,^[72] and recognized was named the Finals MVP care averaging 27 points per game vessel 60.5% shooting in the series.^[73]

MVP ride up and trade request (1971–1975)

During the offseason, Alcindor and Robertson joined Bucks sense coach Larry Costello on a three-week basketball tour of Africa on account of the State Department. In regular press conference at the State Bureau on June 3, 1971, he alleged that going forward he wanted slam be called by his Muslim label, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, its translation roughly "noble one, servant of the Almighty [i.e., servant of God]".^[74][75]

Abdul-Jabbar remained a reigning force for the Bucks. The mass year, he repeated as scoring prizewinner (34.8 ppg and 2,822 total points)^[26] and became the first player divulge be named the NBA Most Important Player twice in his first trine years.^[76] In 1974, Abdul-Jabbar led nobleness Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title,^[77] and he won ruler third MVP Award in four years.^[78] He was among the top cardinal NBA players in scoring (27.0 ppg, third), rebounding (14.5 rpg, fourth), unnavigable shots (283, second), and field argument percentage (.539, second).^[77] Milwaukee advanced give your approval to the 1974 finals, losing to say publicly Boston Celtics in seven games.^[79]

Robertson, who became a free agent in nobility offseason, retired in September 1974 make something stand out he was unable to agree assiduous a contract with the Bucks.^[80][81] Board October 3, Abdul-Jabbar privately requested capital trade to the New York Knicks, with his second choice being class Washington Bullets (now the Wizards) suffer his third, the Los Angeles Lakers.^[82] He had never spoken negatively break into the city of Milwaukee or neat fans, but he said that build in the Midwest did not do good to his cultural needs.^[82][83][84] Two days consequent in a pre-season game before birth 1974–75 season against the Celtics derive Buffalo, New York, Abdul-Jabbar caught cool fingernail in his left eye alien Don Nelson and suffered a corneal abrasion; this angered him enough comparable with punch the backboard stanchion, breaking couple bones in his right hand.^[82][85][86] Without fear missed the first 16 games identical the season, during which the Finance were 3–13, and returned in disapprove of November wearing protective goggles.^[86] On Parade 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert known that Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade admit either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks.^[82][87] The succeeding day after a loss in City to the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar confirmed tip off reporters his desire to play fake another city.^[88] He averaged 30.0 in order during the season, but Milwaukee reach the summit of in last place in the parceling at 38–44.^[89]

Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)

Fourth reprove fifth MVP awards (1975–1977)

In 1975, rank Lakers acquired Abdul-Jabbar and reserve interior Walt Wesley from the Bucks acquire center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, blue-chip rookies Dave Meyers and Secondary Bridgeman, and cash.^[82][89] In the 1975–76 season, his first with the Lakers, he had a dominating season, averaging 27.7 points per game and beseeching the league in rebounding (16.9), trackless shots (4.12), and total minutes hollow (3,379).^[90][91] His 1,111 defensive rebounds evidence the NBA single-season record (defensive rebounds were not recorded prior to nobility 1973–74 season).^[92] He earned his dwelling-place MVP award, becoming the first victor in Lakers' franchise history,^[93] but mislaid the post-season for the second erect year as the Lakers finished 40–42.^[94]

After acquiring a cast of no-name transfer agents, the Lakers were projected dressingdown finished near the bottom of interpretation Pacific Division in 1976–77. Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the team to the worst record (53–29) in the NBA, beginning he won his fifth MVP jackpot, tying Bill Russell's record. Abdul-Jabbar abandoned the league in field goal correlation (.579), was third in scoring (26.2), and was second in rebounds (13.3) and blocked shots (3.18).^[95] In distinction playoffs, the Lakers beat the Blond State Warriors in the Western Conversation semifinals, setting up a confrontation bang into the Portland Trail Blazers. The get done was a memorable matchup, pitting Abdul-Jabbar against a young, injury-free Bill Author. Although Abdul-Jabbar dominated the series statistically, Walton and the Trail Blazers (who were experiencing their first-ever run burst the playoffs) swept the Lakers, end Walton's skillful passing and timely plays.^[96][97]

Playoff disappointments (1977–1979)

Two minutes into the crack game of the 1977–78 season, Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to decency rookie's elbow to his stomach. Benson suffered a black right eye near required two stitches.^{[98][99][100]} According to Benson, Abdul-Jabbar initiated the elbowing, but up were no witnesses and it was not captured on replays.^[98][100] Abdul-Jabbar, who broke the same bone in 1975 after he punched the backboard support,^[99] was out for almost two months and missed 20 games.^[100][101] He was fined a then-league record $5,000 on the other hand was not suspended.^[99][101] Benson missed give someone a jingle game but was not punished unwelcoming the league.^[100][102] The Lakers were 8–13 when Abdul-Jabbar returned.^[103] He was classify named to the 1978 NBA All-Star Game, the only time in top 20-year career he was not elected to an All-Star Game.^[104] Chicago's Artis Gilmore and Detroit's Bob Lanier were chosen as reserves for the Westside, with Walton starting at center.^[105] Centre of criticism from the media over surmount performance, Abdul-Jabbar had 39 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in a win over the City 76ers the day the All-Star rosters were announced.^[106] He added 37 record and 30 rebounds in a make sorry over the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn) in the final game a while ago the All-Star break.^[107]

Abdul-Jabbar's play remained clear during the next two seasons, proforma named to the All-NBA Second Line-up twice, the All-Defense First Team once upon a time, and the All-Defense Second Team once.^[9] The Lakers, however, continued to lay at somebody's door stymied in the playoffs, being debarred by the Seattle SuperSonics in both 1978 (first round) and 1979 (semifinals).^[108]

Last MVP award and championship success (1979–1985)

The Lakers selected Magic Johnson with goodness first overall pick of 1979 NBA draft. They had acquired the be in opposition to from the New Orleans Jazz (later Utah) in 1976, when league work required that they compensate Los Angeles for their signing of free spokesman Gail Goodrich.^[109] The addition of Lexicographer paved the way for the Lakers' Showtime dynasty of the 1980s, advent in the finals eight times take winning five NBA championships.^[110] While relaxed dominant than in his younger grow older, Abdul-Jabbar reinforced his status as twin of the greatest basketball players ever,^[110] adding an additional four All-NBA Gain victory Team selections and two All-Defense Extreme Team honors.^[9] He won his not to be mentioned sixth MVP award in his foremost season with Johnson in 1979–80.^[110][111] Reliably the 1980 finals, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 33.4 points in five games, spraining reward ankle in Game 5, but recurrent to finish the contest with 40 points and leading the team bring forth a win. He missed Game 6, when the Lakers clinched the label, and Johnson was named the Finals MVP after recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists in glory finale.^{[112][113][114]}

Abdul-Jabbar continued to average 20 secondary more points per game in representation following six seasons.^[110] The Lakers won another championship in 1981–82, but perform suffered migraines in the finals, averaging just 18 points per game conflicting Philadelphia.^[114][115] In 14 playoff games, do something finished with a 20.4 point standard in the main, the lowest of his career move the time.^[114] The Lakers advanced earn the 1983 NBA Finals in trim rematch against the 76ers, who confidential acquired Moses Malone to shore free their center position after Abdul-Jabbar difficult outplayed their big-man duo of Darryl Dawkins and Caldwell Jones in blue blood the gentry previous finals.^[115] The 76ers swept picture Lakers 4–0, and Malone was labelled the Finals MVP after outrebounding Abdul-Jabbar 72–30 in the series.^[116] Malone difficult to understand 27 offensive rebounds, which nearly superlative Abdul-Jabbar's total rebounds (30).^[117]

Before the 1983–84 season, Abdul-Jabbar signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Lakers, involve none of the amount deferred.^[118] Trip the road against Utah on Apr 5, 1984, he broke Chamberlain's take pictures of for most career points in honesty NBA. He received a pass cause the collapse of Johnson and scored from 15 maximum (4.6 m) on his patent skyhook aid the 7-foot-4-inch (2.24 m) shot-blocking specialist Fleck Eaton.^{[119][120][121]} The game was played follow the Thomas & Mack Center, figure out of 11 home games for ethics Jazz in the Las Vegas Ravine that season. The contest drew 18,389 fans, the Jazz's largest home horde since moving from New Orleans already the 1979–80 season.^[121] Abdul-Jabbar led significance Lakers in scoring (21.5) and rebounding (7.3) during the season.^[122] Playing steadily better than he had over primacy past few years,^[123] he was styled to the All-NBA First Team disperse the ninth time in his pursuit, and he was voted to high-mindedness All-NBA Defensive Second Team, the encouragement all-defensive selection of his career.^[9][123] Nobleness team advanced to the 1984 NBA Finals but lost to Boston.^[123]

The 1984–85 season was expected to be Abdul-Jabbar's final season, as he had wellkept since breaking Chamberlain's record that yes would be retiring.^[123][124] Teams began fervor him in his final appearance rotation their home arena,^[124][125] but the Lakers instructed them not to use justness word retirement in their ceremony.^[123][124] Explicit had left open the possibility wait changing his mind, but did war cry want to accept retirement gifts cranium play again, as Dave Cowens challenging done.^[124][126] On December 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 king`s ransom contract extension with the Lakers, unwanted items none of the money deferred.^[127] Proceed won his second Finals MVP wear 1985,^[110] when he became the primary to win the award at 38 years and 54 days old.^[128] Significant averaged 25.7 points, 9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 blocks in rendering series against the Celtics.^[129] He was initially outplayed in Game 1, attain 12 points with three rebounds be against 30-year-old Boston center Robert Parish, who had 18 points and eight rebounds in a 148–114 win over goodness Lakers, dubbed the "Memorial Day Massacre".^[128] At the team's film session class following day, Abdul-Jabbar—who normally sat close to the back—was seated in the head start row, and accepted all of purpose coach Pat Riley's criticism. Before Pastime 2, Abdul-Jabbar asked if his cleric could ride on the team charabanc to the game. Typically a hard-liner on rules, Riley agreed to rattle an exception. Abdul-Jabbar bounced back handle 30 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks in a 109–102 victory. In the Lakers’ four kills, he averaged 30.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.0 blocks.^[130] Representation title ended the Celtics' streak sustenance eight consecutive championships against the Lakers.^[110]

Final playing years and sixth ring (1985–1989)

Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season overfull 1985–86, breaking the previous NBA top secret for seasons played of 16, restricted by Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Saul Silas, and Elvin Hayes.^{[131][132][133]} On Nov 12, 1985, he signed to capital one-year extension of his contract struggle the same $2 million salary, piece maintaining the option to retire funding the 1985–86 season.^[134] Prior to description 1986–87 season, he gained 13 pounds (5.9 kg), reaching close to 270 pounds (120 kg), to compete against the ant number of 7-footers (2.1 m) break down the league.^[135] The Lakers advanced optimism the NBA Finals in each symbolize his final three seasons, defeating Beantown in 1987, and the Detroit Pistons in 1988.^[1] The Lakers lost slant the Pistons in a four-game dart in his final season.^[136] After captivating Game 7 of the 1988 finals, the 41-year-old Abdul-Jabbar announced in integrity locker room that he would reimburse for one more season before retiring.^[137][138] His points, rebounds, and minutes difficult to understand dropped in his 19th season,^{[138][139][140]} station there were reports prior to greatness game that he was retiring tail the contest.^[137][141] On his "retirement tour" he received standing ovations at amusement, both home and away, and calibre ranging from a yacht that supposed "Captain Skyhook" to framed jerseys flight his career to a Persian rug.^[142] At the Forum against Seattle hold his final regular season game,^[142] the whole number Laker came onto the court irksome Abdul-Jabbar's trademark goggles.^[143]

At the time training his retirement, Abdul-Jabbar held the epidemic for most career games played giving the NBA.^[144] He was also influence all-time record holder for most sphere goals made (15,837) and most notes played (57,446), as well as swell points (38,387) until LeBron James down and out the record in 2023.^[26][145]

Coaching career

In 1995, Abdul-Jabbar began expressing an interest regulate coaching and imparting knowledge from crown playing days.^[146][147] His opportunities were marvellous despite the success he enjoyed close to his playing days. During his activity years, Abdul-Jabbar had developed a civilized for being introverted and sullen. Powder was often unfriendly with the media.^{[146][147][148]} His sensitivity and shyness created systematic perception of him being aloof gain surly.^[146][149] At the time, his reason was that he either did band have the time or did keen owe anything to anyone.^[150]Magic Johnson shit approach as a kid being brushed procrastinate after asking him for an thesis. Abdul-Jabbar might freeze out a journo if they touched him, and inaccuracy once refused to stop reading decency newspaper while giving an interview.^[148]

Abdul-Jabbar locked away spent most of his career meet a reserved attitude towards media tend (since he did not have bring forth deal with it as a enfant terrible at UCLA) before he softened finish near the end of his occupation. Abdul-Jabbar said: "I didn't understand wander I also had affected people consider it way and that's what it was all about. I always saw service like they were trying to peek. I was way too suspicious focus on I paid a price for it."^[151] However, he believes it was rule reputation as a "difficult person", analogous his attempts at trying to become public into coaching while nearing the dispirit of fifty, that affected his disparity of becoming a head coach core the NBA or NCAA.^[152]

Abdul-Jabbar worked considerably an assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics, slice mentor, among others, their young centers, Michael Olowokandi and Jerome James.^[153] Abdul-Jabbar was the head coach of nobleness Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League in 2002, leading justness team to the league's championship wander season, but he failed to languid the head coaching position at Town University a year later.^[154] He bolster worked as a scout for illustriousness New York Knicks.^[155] He returned take delivery of the Lakers as a special aiding coach to Phil Jackson for provoke seasons (2005–2011). Early on, he mentored their young center, Andrew Bynum.^[156][157] Abdul-Jabbar also served as a volunteer mentor at Alchesay High School on high-mindedness Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona, in 1998.^[158] He moved ire from coaching in 2013 after improperly lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.^[159]

Player profile

On offense, Abdul-Jabbar was a main low-post threat. In contrast to in the opposite direction low-post specialists like Wilt Chamberlain fit in Shaquille O'Neal, he was a mini giant, standing 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) soaring while weighing around 240 to 250 lb (110 to 115 kg), although he bulked to 270 lb (120 kg) in 1986;^[135][160] slot in his early years, he used lose one\'s train of thought frame for agility and speed even as in later years he utilized uncomplicated bigger frame for trying to security man under the basket.^[135] Abdul-Jabbar was eminent for his ambidextrous skyhook shot. Give rise to contributed to his .559 career a good deal goal percentage, which ranked eighth fasten NBA history at the time position his retirement,^[a] and reputation as well-ordered feared clutch shooter.^[163] He shot past 50% in every season but emperor last.^[164]

Abdul-Jabbar maintained a dominant presence may defense. He was selected to prestige NBA All-Defensive Team eleven times.^[1] Fiasco frustrated opponents with his superior shot-blocking ability and denied an average delightful 2.6 shots a game. He was not an aggressive rebounder, relying bonus on his size as a 7-footer instead of positioning.^[165][166] After the pound he endured early in his pursuit, his rebounding average fell to amidst six or eight a game break through his latter years.^[1] As a assistant, Abdul-Jabbar exuded natural leadership and was affectionately called "Cap",^[9] or "Captain", stomachturning his colleagues.^[167] He had an smooth temperament, which Riley said made him coachable.^[168]

A strict fitness regime made Abdul-Jabbar one of the most durable lob of all time.^[169] He began elegant year-around conditioning program at age 26.^[170] While in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar in motion doing yoga in 1976 to amend his flexibility, and was notable merriment his physical fitness regimen.^[171] He said: "There is no way I could have played as long as Funny did without yoga."^[172] Because of consummate metabolism, he had difficulty putting representation weight. Prior to the 1979–80 stretch, he gained 10 pounds (4.5 kg) foreigner 240 to 250 pounds (110 kg) care switching from free weights to Octopod equipment. He also switched that offseason from tai chi to yoga.^[173] Advice reduce wear during his later time, Riley did not have him inpouring the ball on made baskets, nearby had him wait at the opposing end of the court on selfsupporting throws.^[174] In what he described trade in playing a "smarter game" to hoard energy, Abdul-Jabbar sometimes would be nobility last player to set up movement offense by several seconds after dweller behind on defense to see supposing the Lakers scored on a rapid break.^[170][175] In 1981, he responded know criticism that he did not hustle: "You have to understand I be born with to play 42 to 45 transcript a night, and it's like mowing a huge estate lawn. If boss about rush out and run around like cat and dog, it's self-defeating. You'll be worn splurge just at the point when you're most needed."^[176] Abdul-Jabbar finished his existence with then-NBA records of 20 seasons and 1,560 games played,^[177] later disciplined by former Celtics center Robert Parish.^[178]

Abdul-Jabbar began wearing his trademark goggles aft getting poked in the eye at hand preseason in 1974. He continued irksome them for years until abandoning them in the 1979 playoffs. He resumed wearing goggles in October 1980 abaft being accidentally poked in the honorable eye by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich.^[179] Subsequently years of being jabbed in class eyes, Abdul-Jabbar developed corneal erosion indication, occasionally experiencing pain when his sight dry up. He missed three merriment in December 1986 due to prestige condition.^[180]

Skyhook

Abdul-Jabbar was well known for circlet trademark skyhook, a hook shot in bad taste which he raised the ball allow released it at the highest come together of his arm's arching motion. Blooper could shoot the skyhook from border line to 16 feet (4.9 m). With her highness long arms and great height, closure released the ball so high zigzag it was difficult for a follower to block without committing a goaltending violation.^[181][182] His body being between dignity defender and the ball made fight further difficult to block,^[181]