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, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, is an American former professional basketball player renowned for his 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, and his prior success at UCLA. He holds a record six NBA MVP awards and was a 19-time NBA All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar earned 15 All-NBA Team selections and 11 NBA All-Defensive Team selections. A six-time NBA champion as a player and two-time champion as an assistant coach, he also earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. Recognized as one of basketball's all-time greats, Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until 2023.
November 27, 1965: First Public Performance
On November 27, 1965, Alcindor made his first public performance in UCLA's annual varsity–freshman exhibition game at the Bruins' new Pauley Pavilion. Alcindor scored 31 points and 21 rebounds, leading the freshman team to a 75-60 victory over the varsity team.
1966: Varsity Debut and National Coverage
In 1966, Alcindor made his varsity debut as a sophomore, receiving national coverage. He scored 56 points in his first game, which remains an NCAA record for a player in their debut.
1967: Attended Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Abdul-Jabbar, as a college athlete, attended the Cleveland Summit, a meeting of prominent black athletes supporting Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
1968: Celtics' Consecutive Title Record
In 1988, Pat Riley guaranteed that the Los Angeles Lakers would be the first NBA team to win consecutive titles since the 1968-69 Celtics.
1969: NBA Draft and Choice of Milwaukee Bucks
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was picked first overall in the NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, declining an offer from the Globetrotters and despite interest from the New York Nets. He accepted the Bucks' offer of $1.4 million.
1969: Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks
In 1969, Lew Alcindor was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft. He began his professional career with the team after a successful college basketball career.
February 21, 1970: Scored 51 points against the SuperSonics
On February 21, 1970, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 51 points in a 140–127 win over the SuperSonics.
June 3, 1971: Name Change Announcement
On June 3, 1971, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Alcindor, announced at a State Department press conference that he wished to be called by his Muslim name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which roughly translates to "noble one, servant of the Almighty [i.e., servant of God]".
1971: NBA Championship with the Bucks and Name Change
In 1971, Alcindor led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship at the age of 24. Following this victory, he adopted the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1971: NBA Championship and MVP Award
In 1971, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title, earning the Finals MVP award. The Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets 4-0 in the 1971 NBA Finals.
1972: Appearance in "Game of Death"
In 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared in the film Game of Death alongside Bruce Lee, showcasing his martial arts skills.
1973: Defensive Rebound Stats
The 1975-76 NBA season was the first time defensive rebounds were recorded since 1973. During the 1975-76 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 1,111 defensive rebounds which is still the NBA single-season record.
September 1974: Robertson's Retirement
In September 1974, Oscar Robertson retired as a free agent after failing to agree on a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
1974: MVP Award and Finals Appearance
In 1974, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title. He also won his third MVP Award in four years. The Bucks advanced to the 1974 NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics in seven games.
1974: Blocks Became Official Statistic
In 1974, the NBA began recording blocks as an official statistic, which is notable because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ended up with the third-most blocks in NBA history (3,189) despite the statistic not being recorded for the first four years of his career.
March 13, 1975: Trade Request Publicized
On March 13, 1975, it was reported that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had requested a trade to either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers.
1975: Trade to the Lakers
In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley were traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
1975: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He played the final 14 seasons of his career with the team.
1976: Started Doing Yoga
In 1976, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started doing yoga to improve his flexibility, which contributed to his physical fitness and longevity in the NBA.
1976: Acquisition of Draft Pick
In 1976, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired the pick from the New Orleans Jazz that would later allow them to draft Magic Johnson in 1979.
1976: Lakers' Top Record and MVP Award
In the 1976-77 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the NBA at 53-29 and won his fifth MVP award.
1976: The "Alcindor Rule" rescinded
The ban on dunking in college basketball, dubbed the "Alcindor Rule" in an attempt to curtail his dominance, was rescinded in the 1976-77 season.
1978: Sneaker Endorsement Deal with Adidas
In 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the first NBA player to sign a sneaker endorsement deal with Adidas.
1978: All-Star Game Snub
In 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was not named to the 1978 NBA All-Star Game, the only time in his 20-year career he was not selected.
1978: Playoff Elimination
In 1978, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Seattle SuperSonics.
1979: Statistics Led
During the 1983-84 season, it was the first time since the 1979-80 season that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Los Angeles Lakers in both scoring (21.5) and rebounding (7.3).
1979: Lakers Draft Magic Johnson
In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Magic Johnson with the first overall pick of the NBA draft.
1979: Playoff Elimination
In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the semifinals of the playoffs by the Seattle SuperSonics.
1980: Statistics Led
During the 1983-84 season, it was the first time since the 1980-81 season that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Los Angeles Lakers in both scoring (21.5) and rebounding (7.3).
1980: Role in Airplane!
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played co-pilot Roger Murdock in Airplane!, a spoof of the 1957 drama Zero Hour! where he snapped at a kid.
1980: NBA Championship and MVP Award
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his record sixth MVP award and led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship.
1980: Won Sixth MVP Award
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his sixth and final MVP award, continuing to average above 20 points in the following six seasons.
1981: NBA Championship
In 1981–82 season, the Los Angeles Lakers won another NBA championship against the Philadelphia 76ers.
December 22, 1983: Low Scoring Game
On December 22, 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 10 points against Golden State, dropping his season average to 17.7, almost 10 points below his career average.
1983: Publication of Giant Steps
In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar published his autobiography, "Giant Steps," co-written with Peter Knobler. The book's title pays homage to John Coltrane's album "Giant Steps".
1983: NBA Finals Loss
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals in a rematch against the Philadelphia 76ers, but were swept 4-0.
April 5, 1984: NBA Scoring Record
On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for most career points in the NBA during a game against Utah. He scored from 15 feet on his patent skyhook over Mark Eaton.
December 5, 1984: Contract Extension
On December 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1984: Broke NBA's Career Scoring Record
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record. At the time, this was a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a dominant player.
1984: Played Genie in Tales from the Darkside
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played a genie in a lamp in an episode of Tales from the Darkside.
November 12, 1985: Contract Extension
On November 12, 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar signed a one-year extension of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers at the same $2 million salary.
1985: Finals MVP and Championship
In 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his second Finals MVP and led the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship victory over the Boston Celtics, ending the Celtics' streak of eight consecutive championships against the Lakers.
1986: Breaking NBA Record for Seasons Played
In 1985–86 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season, breaking the previous NBA record for seasons played of 16.
1986: Increased Weight
In 1986, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar bulked up to 270 lb (120 kg) to better guard under the basket, utilizing a bigger frame in his later years.
1987: NBA Championship
In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers won a championship over Boston.
1988: NBA Championship
In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons for the NBA championship.
1989: Retirement from the NBA
In 1989, at the age of 42, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from the NBA as the league's all-time leader in points, games played, and several other statistical categories.
1989: Final Season and Finals Loss
In 1989, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in a four-game sweep in the NBA Finals, marking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's final season.
February 10, 1994: Appeared on In Living Color
On February 10, 1994, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played himself on the sketch comedy television series In Living Color.
1994: Co-Executive Producer of The Vernon Johns Story
In 1994, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the co-executive producer of the TV film The Vernon Johns Story.
1995: Interest in Coaching
In 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began expressing an interest in coaching and imparting his basketball knowledge, but his opportunities were limited due to a reputation for being introverted and unfriendly with the media.
1998: Volunteer Coach at Alchesay High School
In 1998, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar served as a volunteer coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona.
2002: Coaching Oklahoma Storm
In 2002, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar coached the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League, leading them to the league's championship that season.
2005: Assistant Coach for the Lakers
In 2005, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar returned to the Los Angeles Lakers as a special assistant coach to Phil Jackson, where he mentored young center Andrew Bynum.
2006: Appeared on The Colbert Report
In 2006, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared on The Colbert Report in a skit called "HipHopKetball II: The ReJazzebration Remix '06".
2008: Stage Manager Role
In 2008, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared on television as a stage manager who is sent out on a mission to find Nazi gold.
February 10, 2011: Debut of "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 broadcast throughout the city and state.
2011: Awarded Double Helix Medal and Honorary Degree
In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Double Helix Medal for his work in raising awareness for cancer research and received an honorary degree from New York Institute of Technology.
2011: Voiced Himself on The Simpsons
In 2011, Kareem 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, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's six-season tenure as a special assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers concluded.
January 2012: Appointed as Cultural Ambassador for the United States
In January 2012, Abdul-Jabbar was appointed as a cultural ambassador for the United States by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also traveled to Brazil to promote education for local youths as part of this role.
2012: Recurring role on Guys with Kids
From 2012 to 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series Guys with Kids.
2012: Selected as a 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, recognizing his influence beyond basketball.
2013: Recurring role on Guys with Kids
From 2012 to 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC series Guys with Kids.
2013: Moves on from Coaching
In 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar moved on from coaching after unsuccessfully lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.
November 2014: Published Essay on College Athlete Compensation
In November 2014, Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin arguing for fair compensation for college athletes, advocating for an end to the 'indentured servitude' of college athletes.
2014: Airplane! Roles Reprised in Commercial
In 2014, Kareem 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 a column he wrote about Islam and violent extremism, advocating that Islam should not be blamed for the actions of violent extremists.
2015: Adult Fiction Writing Debut with Mycroft Holmes
In 2015, Abdul-Jabbar made his adult fiction writing debut with the mystery novel "Mycroft Holmes", co-written with Anna Waterhouse, based on the Sherlock Holmes character.
2017: Condemned Donald Trump's Travel Ban
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar commented on Donald Trump's travel ban, condemning it as a rejection of sacred values and "pure evil" due to its absence of reason and compassion.
2017: Spoke at Ramadan Event
In 2017, Abdul-Jabbar spoke at an event marking Ramadan organized by the Israeli consul in Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of Muslim-Jewish relations and cross-cultural exchange.
2017: Appeared in "Good Goodbye" Music Video
In 2017, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared in the music video for "Good Goodbye" by Linkin Park, where he played a warlord or emperor.
September 2018: Announced as Writer for Veronica Mars Revival
In September 2018, it was announced that Abdul-Jabbar would be one of the writers for the July 2019 revival of Veronica Mars.
2018: Publication of Mycroft and Sherlock
In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar published "Mycroft and Sherlock", a sequel to Mycroft Holmes, co-written with Anna Waterhouse.
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 published "Mycroft and Sherlock: The Empty Birdcage", the third novel in the series, co-written with Anna Waterhouse.
2020: Executive Producer and Narrator of "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution"
In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar served as executive producer and narrator of the History channel special "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution". He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his narration.
February 7, 2023: Career Scoring Record Surpassed
On February 7, 2023, LeBron James of the Lakers surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 career points, ending his reign as the NBA's career scoring leader, Abdul-Jabbar attended the game and passed the game ball to James during the in-game ceremony.
2024: All-Star Team Record Surpassed
In 2024, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for most All-Star team selections.
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