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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, is a former professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA with his scoring ability, incredible footwork, and patented skyhook shot. He played the majority of his 20-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and earning a record six MVP awards. Throughout his career, Abdul-Jabbar scored over 38,000 points, making him the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. In addition to his on-court success, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his activism and advocacy for civil rights and social justice issues. Since retiring as a player, he has become a successful author, motivational speaker, and cultural ambassador. Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the game of basketball and society as a whole is immeasurable, and he continues to inspire generations of fans and athletes around the world.
Early Life and Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor, was born on April 16, 1947 in New York City. He grew up in Harlem and began playing basketball at a young age. Abdul-Jabbar attended UCLA where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best college basketball players in history. He led the UCLA Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969 and was a three-time consensus All-American. In 1969, he was selected as the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
NBA Career and Legacy
Abdul-Jabbar went on to have a storied NBA career that lasted 20 seasons. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning a total of six NBA championships and claiming six regular season MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar was known for his signature skyhook shot that was virtually impossible to defend. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record that still stands today. Abdul-Jabbar was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on and off the court extends beyond basketball. He is a civil rights activist, author, and actor, using his platform to promote social justice and equality. He has been a vocal advocate for African American rights and has written several books on the topic. Abdul-Jabbar’s contributions to society have earned him numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Despite retiring from basketball, Abdul-Jabbar continues to be a respected figure in the sports world and beyond.
