Challenges in the Life of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a Detailed Timeline
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life and career.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Dominating as a center for 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he won a record six MVP awards. He was a 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and 11-time All-Defensive Team selection. Abdul-Jabbar secured six NBA championships as a player and two as an assistant coach, earning two Finals MVP awards. A Hall of Famer, he held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. His accolades include membership in three NBA anniversary teams.
January 12, 1968: Eye Injury
On January 12, 1968, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea during a game against California (UC Berkeley), leading to future eye protection measures.
1968: Conversion to Islam and Olympic Boycott
During the summer of 1968, Alcindor converted to Sunni Islam and boycotted the 1968 Summer Olympics to protest the unequal treatment of African Americans.
1974: Began Wearing Goggles
Abdul-Jabbar began wearing his trademark goggles in 1974 after getting poked in the eye during preseason.
1977: Hand Injury
In 1977, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to an elbow. He missed almost two months and was fined a then-league record $5,000.
1978: All-Star Game Snub
In 1978, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was not named to the NBA All-Star Game, the only time in his 20-year career that he was not selected.
1978: Playoff Elimination
In 1978, The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round.
1979: Playoff Semifinals Elimination
In 1979, The Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the semifinals.
October 1980: Resumed Wearing Goggles
In October 1980, Abdul-Jabbar resumed wearing goggles after being accidentally poked in the right eye by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich.
1980: NBA Championship and Finals Injury
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his record sixth MVP award and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Championship, although he sprained his ankle in Game 5 of the finals.
1981: Response to Criticism
In 1981, Abdul-Jabbar responded to criticism about his hustle, explaining his need to conserve energy due to playing extensive minutes each game.
December 22, 1983: Low Scoring Game
On December 22, 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 10 points against the Golden State Warriors, dropping his season average to 17.7 points per game.
1983: House Fire
In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down, destroying many of his belongings, including his jazz LP collection.
1983: Finals Loss to 76ers
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals but were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers.
December 1986: Missed Games Due to Corneal Erosion
In December 1986, Abdul-Jabbar missed three games due to corneal erosion syndrome.
December 2008: Leukemia Diagnosed
In December 2008, Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
November 2009: Announcement of Leukemia Diagnosis
In November 2009, Abdul-Jabbar announced that he was suffering from leukemia, Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, which had been diagnosed in December 2008.
April 2015: Hospitalization and Bypass Surgery
In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar was hospitalized and underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery.
2020: Prostate Cancer Revelation
In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer eleven years earlier.
February 2023: Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
In February 2023, Abdul-Jabbar spoke about his atrial fibrillation diagnosis and partnered with "No Time to Wait" to raise awareness of the symptoms.
December 2023: Hospitalized After Hip Fracture
In December 2023, Abdul-Jabbar was hospitalized after he fell and broke his hip at a concert.
