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 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.

Sections (6)

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

January 12, 1968: Eye Injury

On January 12, 1968, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea during a game against California, which later led him to wear goggles for eye protection throughout his career.

1975: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Hand Punching Backboard

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

1977: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Hand Punching Benson

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 an elbow. He missed almost two months and 20 games as a result.

1978: Lakers Eliminated by SuperSonics in Playoffs

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

1979: Lakers Eliminated by SuperSonics in Playoffs

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

1981: Response to Criticism

In 1981, Abdul-Jabbar responded to criticism about his hustle, explaining that he had to conserve energy due to playing 42 to 45 minutes a night.

1981: Lakers Win Another Championship

The Los Angeles Lakers won another championship in 1981-82, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suffered migraines in the finals, averaging just 18 points per game against Philadelphia.

December 22, 1983: Abdul-Jabbar's Scoring Dips Due to Illness

On December 22, 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 10 points at Golden State, dropping his season average to 17.7 due to a bout with viral hepatitis during training camp.

1983: House Fire and Loss of Belongings

In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down, destroying many of his belongings including his jazz LP collection.

1983: 76ers Sweep Lakers in NBA Finals

In 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, with Moses Malone being named the Finals MVP after outrebounding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

December 1986: Missed Games Due to Corneal Erosion Syndrome

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

1989: Lakers Lost to the Pistons in NBA Finals

In 1989 the Lakers lost to the Pistons in a four-game sweep in the NBA Finals.

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.

December 2008: Diagnosis of Leukemia

In December 2008, 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 that he was suffering from Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, which had been diagnosed in December 2008.

February 2011: Announcement of Remission, Clarification Follows

In February 2011, Abdul-Jabbar initially announced via Twitter that his leukemia was gone, but he later clarified that his cancer was at an absolute minimum.

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.

April 2015: Hospitalization and Heart Surgery

In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Later that week, on his 68th birthday, he underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery.

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 about Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis

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