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. He played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and a record six MVP awards. A 19-time All-Star, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his dominant play as a center, particularly his signature skyhook shot. He also played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until LeBron James broke it in 2023. He also contributed as an assistant coach after his playing career ended.

Sections (6)

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

January 12, 1968: Scratched cornea

On January 12, 1968, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, suffered a scratched left cornea in a game against California (UC Berkeley).

1975: Past Hand Injury

In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the same bone in his right hand after he punched the backboard support.

1977: Hand Injury

Two minutes into the opening game of the 1977–78 season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to the rookie's elbow to his stomach. Abdul-Jabbar missed 20 games.

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 he was not selected to an All-Star Game.

1978: Playoff Elimination

In 1978, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the playoffs.

1979: Playoff Elimination

In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the semifinals of the playoffs.

October 1980: Resumed Wearing Goggles After Eye Poke

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

1981: Response to criticism about not hustling

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

December 22, 1983: Season Low Scoring

On December 22, 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 10 points at 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. Lakers fans sent him albums, which he found uplifting.

1983: NBA Finals Loss

In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals in a rematch against the 76ers, who had acquired Moses Malone. The 76ers swept the Lakers 4–0, and Malone was named the Finals MVP.

December 1986: Missed Games Due to Corneal Erosion Syndrome

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

1989: Lakers swept by Pistons in NBA Finals

In 1989, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Detroit Pistons in a four-game sweep in the NBA finals.

1995: Expressing interest in coaching

In 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began expressing an interest in coaching and imparting knowledge from his playing days, though his opportunities were limited due to his reputation for being introverted and unfriendly with the media.

December 2008: Leukemia Diagnosis

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, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which had been diagnosed in December 2008.

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: Hospitalization and Heart Surgery

In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery at the UCLA Medical Center on his 68th birthday.

2020: Revelation of 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" campaign.