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 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 (six as player, two as assistant coach) and a record six MVP awards. A 19-time All-Star, Abdul-Jabbar was renowned for his signature skyhook shot. He also played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. A Hall of Fame inductee, he held the NBA's all-time scoring record from 1984 until 2023. He was also a 15-time All-NBA Team member and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.

Sections (6)

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

1964: Inspired by Harlem Riot

In 1964, the Harlem riot, triggered by the shooting of James Powell, sparked Alcindor's interest in racial politics, leading him to identify with Black Power.

January 12, 1968: Scratched Cornea Injury

On January 12, 1968, during a game against California (UC Berkeley), Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea when struck by Tom Henderson in a rebound battle.

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.

March 13, 1975: Abdul-Jabbar Requests Trade

On March 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert reported that Abdul-Jabbar had requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks.

1977: Hand Injury

In 1977, during the opening game of the season, Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand after punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to an elbow, causing him to miss almost two months and 20 games.

1978: All-Star Game Omission

In 1978, Abdul-Jabbar was not named to the NBA All-Star Game for the only time in his 20-year career.

1981: Response to Hustle Criticism

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

December 22, 1983: Low Scoring Game

On December 22, 1983, 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. Lakers fans sent and brought him albums, which he found uplifting.

December 1986: Eye Condition Forces Abdul-Jabbar to Miss Games

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

1989: Lakers Lose NBA Finals

In 1989, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in a four-game sweep in the NBA finals, marking the end of Abdul-Jabbar's career.

1995: Abdul-Jabbar Expresses Interest in Coaching

In 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started expressing interest in coaching, aiming to share his vast basketball knowledge. However, he faced limited opportunities due to a reputation for being introverted and unfriendly with the media during his playing career, which led to perceptions of being aloof.

December 2008: Diagnosis of Leukemia

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 Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, diagnosed in December 2008. He became a spokesman for Novartis, the producer of his medication, Gleevec.

2013: Unsuccessful Coaching Applications

In 2013, Abdul-Jabbar moved on from coaching after unsuccessfully lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.

2020: Revelation of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

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

February 2023: Speaking out about Atrial Fibrillation

In February 2023, Abdul-Jabbar spoke out about his atrial fibrillation diagnosis. He partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer's "No Time to Wait" to raise awareness of the symptoms of the irregular and rapid heart rhythm condition which increase the risk of stroke.