Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made an impact.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, achieving remarkable success. A Hall of Fame member, he holds a record six NBA MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and 11-time All-Defensive Team selection. He won six NBA championships as a player and two as an assistant coach, earning two Finals MVP awards. He was named to three NBA anniversary teams. He held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until 2023.
1957: Zero Hour! Inspiration
In 1957, Zero Hour! a drama film starring Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch was released, which would later become the main source of inspiration for Airplane!.
November 27, 1965: First Public Performance at Pauley Pavilion
On November 27, 1965, Alcindor made his first public performance in UCLA's annual varsity–freshman exhibition game at Pauley Pavilion, where the freshman team defeated the varsity team 75–60.
1966: Varsity Debut and National Coverage
In 1966, Alcindor made his varsity debut as a sophomore and received national coverage, scoring 56 points in his first game and leading UCLA to an undefeated season and national championship.
1967: Attendance at the Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Abdul-Jabbar was the only college athlete to attend the Cleveland Summit, a meeting of prominent black athletes who convened in support of Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
1967: National Player of the Year and NCAA Champion
In 1967, Alcindor was named national player of the year and won the NCAA basketball championship with UCLA.
1968: National Player of the Year and NCAA Champion
In 1968, Alcindor was named national player of the year and won the NCAA basketball championship with UCLA.
1968: Riley Guarantees Lakers Win Consecutive Titles
In 1988, Pat Riley guaranteed that the Lakers would be the first NBA team to win consecutive titles since the 1968-69 Celtics.
1969: Third Time National Player of the Year and NCAA Champion
In 1969, Alcindor was named national player of the year for the third time and won his third NCAA basketball championship with UCLA. He also became the first-ever Naismith College Player of the Year.
1969: Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks
In 1969, Lew Alcindor was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional basketball career.
February 21, 1970: Scored 51 points vs. SuperSonics
On February 21, 1970, Alcindor scored 51 points in a 140-127 win over the SuperSonics.
1970: Acquisition of Oscar Robertson
In 1970, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired All-Star guard Oscar Robertson, setting the stage for their championship run.
1971: NBA Championship and MVP Award
In 1971, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award, led the league in scoring, and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title, winning the Finals MVP award.
1972: Film Debut
In 1972, Abdul-Jabbar made his film debut in Bruce Lee's Game of Death.
1973: 1973-74 NBA Season
Defensive rebounds were first recorded in NBA history during the 1973-74 NBA Season
1974: Abdul-Jabbar Leads Bucks to Division Title and Wins MVP
In 1974, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title and won his third MVP Award in four years. He was among the top five NBA players in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal percentage in 1974. The Bucks advanced to the 1974 NBA finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in seven games.
March 13, 1975: Abdul-Jabbar Requests Trade
On March 13, 1975, it was reported that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks, confirming his desire to play in another city after a loss to the Lakers.
1975: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend the final 14 seasons of his NBA career and become a key player in the Showtime era.
1975: Lakers Acquire Abdul-Jabbar
In 1975, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley from the Milwaukee Bucks. He had a dominating season, averaging 27.7 points per game and leading the league in rebounding, blocked shots, and total minutes played in 1975.
1976: Lakers Acquire Draft Pick from Jazz
In 1976, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the draft pick from the New Orleans Jazz, later Utah, that would be used to select Magic Johnson in 1979. League rules at the time required the Jazz to compensate the Lakers for their signing of free agent Gail Goodrich.
1976: Started Yoga
In 1976, while in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar started doing yoga to improve his flexibility, becoming notable for his physical fitness regimen.
1976: Abdul-Jabbar Leads Lakers to Best Record, Wins MVP
In the 1976-77 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the NBA and won his fifth MVP award. He led the league in field goal percentage and was among the top in scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots in 1976.
1978: Signed Sneaker Endorsement Deal with Adidas
In 1978, Abdul-Jabbar became the first NBA player to sign a sneaker endorsement deal with Adidas and subsequently had his signature shoe.
1978: Abdul-Jabbar Misses All-Star Game Selection
In 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was not named to the NBA All-Star Game, the only time in his 20-year career he was not selected.
1979: Lakers Draft Magic Johnson
In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Magic Johnson with the first overall pick of the NBA draft, paving the way for the Lakers' Showtime dynasty of the 1980s.
1979: Jazz Move to Las Vegas Valley
In 1979-80 season, the Utah Jazz moved from New Orleans to the Las Vegas Valley.
1979: Gained weight after switching equipment
Prior to the 1979–80 season, Abdul-Jabbar gained 10 pounds (4.5 kg) from 240 to 250 pounds (110 kg) after switching from free weights to Nautilus equipment. He also switched that offseason from tai chi to yoga.
1980: Abdul-Jabbar Wins Sixth MVP and Leads Lakers to Championship
In 1979-80, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his record sixth MVP award and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship in 1980. He sprained his ankle in Game 5 of the finals but returned to finish the contest with 40 points.
1980: Sixth MVP Award
In 1980, Abdul-Jabbar claimed his sixth and final MVP award.
1980: Airplane! Role
In 1980, Abdul-Jabbar played co-pilot Roger Murdock in Airplane!, parodying Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch's role in Zero Hour! and engaging in a comedic scene about his basketball performance.
1980: Jazz Move to Las Vegas Valley
In 1980-81 season, the Utah Jazz moved from New Orleans to the Las Vegas Valley.
1983: Publication of Giant Steps
In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's autobiography "Giant Steps", co-authored with Peter Knobler, was published. It was his first book.
April 5, 1984: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Scoring Record
On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for most career points in the NBA, scoring from 15 feet on his patent skyhook over Mark Eaton.
December 5, 1984: Abdul-Jabbar Agrees to Contract Extension
On December 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1984: Tales from the Darkside Role
In 1984, Abdul-Jabbar played a genie in a lamp in an episode of Tales from the Darkside.
1984: Broke NBA Career Scoring Record
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record, cementing his status as a top scorer in the league.
November 12, 1985: Abdul-Jabbar Signs Contract Extension
On November 12, 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed a one-year extension of his contract with the Lakers at the same $2 million salary, while maintaining the option to retire after the 1985-86 season.
1985: Abdul-Jabbar Wins Finals MVP
In 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his second Finals MVP, becoming the oldest to win the award at 38 years old. He averaged 25.7 points in the series against the Boston Celtics. After a poor performance in Game 1, he bounced back with 30 points in Game 2, leading the Lakers to victory.
1986: Abdul-Jabbar Plays in 17th Season
In 1985-86, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season, breaking the previous NBA record for seasons played of 16. He maintained the option to retire after the season in 1986.
1988: Lakers Win Championship over Pistons
In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons for the championship, marking their first consecutive titles since the 1968-69 Celtics.
1989: Retirement from the NBA
In 1989, at the age of 42, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from the NBA. At the time of his retirement, he held several NBA regular season career records.
February 10, 1994: In Living Color Appearance
On February 10, 1994, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on the sketch comedy television series In Living Color.
1994: Co-Executive Producer
In 1994, Abdul-Jabbar was the co-executive producer of the TV film The Vernon Johns Story.
1995: Interest in Coaching
In 1995, Abdul-Jabbar expressed an interest in coaching and imparting the knowledge he gained during his playing days, though opportunities were limited. He was perceived as introverted and unfriendly with the media, which created the impression of being aloof.
1998: Volunteer Coach at Alchesay High School
In 1998, Abdul-Jabbar served as a volunteer coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona.
2002: Oklahoma Storm Head Coach
In 2002, Abdul-Jabbar served as the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League, leading the team to the league's championship that season.
2005: Special Assistant Coach for the Lakers
In 2005, Abdul-Jabbar returned to the Lakers as a special assistant coach to Phil Jackson for six seasons, where he mentored young center Andrew Bynum.
2006: The Colbert Report Appearance
In 2006, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on The Colbert Report in a skit called "HipHopKetball II: The ReJazzebration Remix '06".
2008: Appearance as Stage Manager
In 2008, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on The Colbert Report as a stage manager sent on a mission to find Nazi gold.
February 10, 2011: Debut of film On the Shoulders of Giants
On February 10, 2011, Abdul-Jabbar debuted his film "On the Shoulders of Giants", documenting the New York Renaissance professional basketball team, at Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey. The event was simulcast live.
2011: The Simpsons Voice Role
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar voiced himself in an episode of The Simpsons titled "Love Is a Many Strangled Thing".
2011: End of Lakers Coaching Tenure
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar's six-season tenure as a special assistant coach for the Lakers came to an end.
January 2012: Appointment as Cultural Ambassador
In January 2012, Abdul-Jabbar was appointed as a cultural ambassador for the United States by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and traveled to Brazil to promote education for local youths.
2012: Guys with Kids Recurring Role
From 2012 to 2013, Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series Guys with Kids.
2012: Selected as U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador
In 2012, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to serve as a U.S. global cultural ambassador, indicating his influence and respect on an international level.
2013: Guys with Kids Recurring Role
From 2012 to 2013, Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series Guys with Kids.
2013: End of Coaching Career
In 2013, Abdul-Jabbar moved on from coaching after unsuccessfully lobbying for head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.
November 2014: Publication of Essay in Jacobin
In November 2014, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin advocating for just compensation for college athletes, arguing against the "indentured servitude" of college athletes.
2014: Parody Commercial
In 2014, Abdul-Jabbar and Airplane! co-star Robert Hays reprised their Airplane! roles in a parody commercial promoting Wisconsin tourism.
January 25, 2015: Appearance on Meet the Press
On January 25, 2015, Abdul-Jabbar appeared on "Meet the Press" to discuss his column arguing that Islam should not be blamed for the actions of violent extremists. He also spoke about his faith.
2015: Adult Fiction Debut with Mycroft Holmes
In 2015, Abdul-Jabbar made his adult fiction writing debut with the Victorian mystery novel "Mycroft Holmes", co-written with Anna Waterhouse.
2017: Good Goodbye Music Video Appearance
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in the music video for "Good Goodbye" by Linkin Park, playing a warlord or emperor role.
2017: Speech at Ramadan Event
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar spoke at a Ramadan event organized by the Israeli consul in Los Angeles, emphasizing Muslim-Jewish relations and cross-cultural exchange.
September 2018: Announced as Writer for Veronica Mars Revival
In September 2018, Abdul-Jabbar was announced as one of the writers for the July 2019 revival of "Veronica Mars".
2018: Publication of Mycroft and Sherlock
In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored "Mycroft and Sherlock" with Anna Waterhouse, which is the second book in the Mycroft Holmes series.
July 2019: Writing for Veronica Mars Revival
In July 2019, Abdul-Jabbar worked as one of the writers for the revival of "Veronica Mars".
2019: Publication of Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage
In 2019, Abdul-Jabbar co-authored "Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage" with Anna Waterhouse. This is the third book in the Mycroft Holmes series.
2020: Executive Producer and Narrator of Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar served as the executive producer and narrator of the History channel special "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution" and was nominated for an Emmy Award for his narration.
June 2021: Publication of Essay on COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal
In June 2021, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin on the negative impact of refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on public health, criticizing Kyrie Irving.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation and the second-largest...
Michael Jordan widely considered one of basketball's greatest players significantly...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is an American professional basketball...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Trending
27 minutes ago Peyton Stearns, Texas Longhorn, triumphs at ATX Open, securing second WTA title.
1 hour ago Tom Steyer's California plan faces criticism while he spends millions on governor's race.
1 hour ago Darius Garland Prepares for Clippers Debut Against Warriors After Trade
1 hour ago Mark Stoops Hired by Texas as Special Assistant to Steve Sarkisian
1 hour ago Tyus Jones Joins Denver Nuggets: Bolstering Depth Before Jazz Game.
3 days ago Katie Boulter faces Jasmine Paolini in WTA Merida Quarterfinals; Hon Prediction
Popular
Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights activist politician and...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for...
XXXTentacion born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy was a controversial yet...
Kashyap Pramod Patel is an American lawyer who became the...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...