Challenges in the Life of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's life and career.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1964: Inspired by the Harlem Riot

In 1964, the Harlem riot, triggered by the fatal shooting of James Powell, sparked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's interest in racial politics. At the time, he stated that he knew he had to personify "black rage" and "Black Power".

January 12, 1968: Eye Injury

On January 12, 1968, during his junior year, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea in a game against California (UC Berkeley). This injury caused him to miss the next two games and eventually led him to wear goggles for eye protection during his professional career.

1975: Hand Injury

In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand after punching the backboard support.

1977: Hand Injury

In 1977, during the opening game of the 1977-78 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand after punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson.

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.

October 1980: Resumed Wearing Goggles

In October 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar resumed wearing goggles after being accidentally poked in the right eye by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich.

1981: Responded to criticism about hustling

In 1981, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar responded to criticism that he did not hustle, explaining that he had to conserve energy to play 42 to 45 minutes a night.

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: House Fire

In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down, destroying many of his belongings including his jazz LP collection. He found support from Lakers fans who sent him albums.

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.

December 1986: Missed Games Due to Corneal Erosion Syndrome

In December 1986, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar missed three games due to corneal erosion syndrome, a result of years of being jabbed in the eyes.

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.

December 2008: Leukemia Diagnosis

In December 2008, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

November 2009: Announcement of Leukemia Diagnosis

In November 2009, Abdul-Jabbar announced he was suffering from Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, diagnosed in December 2008, but believed it could be managed with medication. He became a spokesman for Novartis, the producer of Gleevec.

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.

April 2015: Hospitalized and Underwent Heart Surgery

In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar was hospitalized and diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, subsequently undergoing quadruple coronary bypass surgery at UCLA Medical Center on his 68th birthday.

2020: Revealed Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer eleven years earlier.

February 2023: Spoke out about atrial fibrillation diagnosis

In February 2023, Abdul-Jabbar spoke out about his atrial fibrillation diagnosis and partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer's "No Time to Wait" to raise awareness of the symptoms.