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, a Hall of Fame center, is considered one of basketball's all-time greatest players. He dominated the NBA for 20 seasons, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, after a stellar college career at UCLA. He won a record six NBA MVP awards and was a 19-time All-Star. Abdul-Jabbar earned 6 NBA championships as a player and 2 as an assistant coach. Known for his signature 'skyhook' shot, he held the NBA's all-time scoring record from 1984 until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. His accolades include multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

Sections (6)

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

1964: Inspired by Harlem Riot of 1964

In 1964, the Harlem riot, triggered by the fatal shooting of James Powell, sparked Alcindor's interest in racial politics and shaped his identity.

January 12, 1968: Eye Injury against California

On January 12, 1968, during a game against California, Alcindor suffered a scratched left cornea, causing him to miss the subsequent games.

1975: Hand Injury

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

1977: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Hand

In 1977, Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's Kent Benson in retaliation to the rookie's elbow to his stomach.

1978: All-Star Game Snub

In 1978, Abdul-Jabbar was not named to the 1978 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 Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the playoffs.

1979: Playoff Elimination

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

1981: Responds to Criticism

In 1981, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defended his playing style against criticisms of not hustling, explaining his need to conserve energy due to playing extensive minutes.

December 22, 1983: Low Scoring Game

On December 22, 1983, 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, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down, destroying many belongings, including his jazz LP collection. Lakers fans sent him albums, which he found uplifting.

1983: NBA Finals Loss

In 1983, The Lakers advanced to the 1983 NBA Finals in a rematch against the 76ers, The 76ers swept the Lakers 4–0.

December 1986: Misses Games Due to Eye Condition

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

1989: Lakers Lose NBA Finals

In 1989, the Los Angeles Lakers were swept by the Detroit Pistons in a four-game series in the NBA Finals.

1995: Abdul-Jabbar Expresses Coaching Interest

In 1995, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar expressed his interest in coaching and sharing his basketball knowledge, but faced limited opportunities due to his past reputation for being introverted and unfriendly with the media.

December 2008: Diagnosis of leukemia

In December 2008, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

November 2009: Public announcement of leukemia diagnosis

In November 2009, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly announced that he was suffering from leukemia and that he was taking oral medication daily to manage the condition.

2013: Unsuccessful Coaching Bids

In 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ended his coaching career after unsuccessfully lobbying for head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks.

April 2015: Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and bypass surgery

In April 2015, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was 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, Kareem 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, Kareem 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.