Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary basketball player who dominated the NBA for two decades. Playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he earned six MVP titles, numerous All-Star selections, and championship rings. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, holding the NBA's career scoring record for 39 years until LeBron James surpassed it in 2023. His legacy continues to inspire generations of basketball enthusiasts.
April 16, 1947: Birth of Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.
On April 16, 1947, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was born in Harlem, New York City.
1950: Moving to Dyckman Street Projects
At the age of 3, in 1950, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his family moved to the Dyckman Street projects in the Inwood neighborhood of Upper Manhattan.
1957: "Airplane!" parodies "Zero Hour!"
Released in 1957, "Zero Hour!" was a drama film that featured football star Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch as an airplane pilot, a casting choice that "Airplane!" parodied in its 1980 release.
1964: The Harlem Riot and Alcindor's Racial Awareness
The 1964 Harlem riot, sparked by the fatal shooting of 15-year-old James Powell, profoundly impacted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's racial awareness and political views.
November 27, 1965: First Public Performance for UCLA Bruins
On November 27, 1965, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then Lew Alcindor, made his first public appearance for the UCLA Bruins in an exhibition game, leading the freshman team to a victory over the varsity squad.
1966: Varsity Debut and the "Alcindor Rule"
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's impressive varsity debut for UCLA in 1966, including a 56-point game, led to the NCAA's controversial ban on dunking, often referred to as the "Alcindor Rule," intended to limit his dominance.
1967: Three-Time National Player of the Year
From 1967 to 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was recognized as a three-time national player of the year, highlighting his exceptional college basketball career.
1967: Abdul-Jabbar attends the Cleveland Summit in support of Muhammad Ali
In 1967, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the sole college athlete present at the Cleveland Summit, demonstrating his commitment to social justice by joining other prominent black athletes in support of Muhammad Ali's stance against the Vietnam War.
January 12, 1968: Eye Injury in Game Against Cal
On January 12, 1968, during his junior year at UCLA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) sustained a scratched left cornea in a game against Cal. The injury occurred during a rebound battle with Cal player Tom Henderson. This incident would sideline him for the following two games against Stanford and Portland. This eye injury marked the beginning of his recurring corneal problems, which would eventually lead him to wear protective goggles throughout his professional career.
1968: Conversion to Islam and Olympic Boycott
In the summer of 1968, Alcindor converted to Sunni Islam from Catholicism and adopted the Arabic name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, although he didn't use it publicly until 1971. In the same year, he decided to boycott the 1968 Summer Olympics as a protest against the unequal treatment of African Americans in the United States. He believed that winning a gold medal wouldn't negate the oppression faced by his community.
1968: Continued Dominance in College Basketball
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continued his exceptional performance in college basketball in 1968, contributing to his team's success and earning numerous accolades.
1969: First Naismith College Player of the Year
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made history by becoming the first-ever recipient of the Naismith College Player of the Year award.
1969: Graduation from UCLA and Martial Arts Training
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Alongside his academic pursuits, he dedicated himself to martial arts, training in Aikido in New York and later learning Jeet Kune Do under the legendary Bruce Lee in Los Angeles.
1969: The NBA Draft and Choice of Milwaukee
In 1969, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, was the most sought-after basketball prospect. He was drafted first overall by both the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA draft and the New York Nets in the ABA draft. While the Nets tried to entice him with a higher offer, he ultimately chose the Bucks, guided by his principles against bidding wars and a desire to maintain respect within the sport.
1969: Milwaukee Bucks Draft Alcindor
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, as the first overall pick in the 1969 NBA Draft.
February 21, 1970: Dominating Performance Against the SuperSonics
On February 21, 1970, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar delivered a stellar performance, scoring 51 points for the Bucks in a resounding 140-127 victory against the SuperSonics. This game solidified his reputation as a rising star in the league.
1970: Arrival of Oscar Robertson and a Record-Breaking Season
The 1970-1971 season marked a turning point for the Bucks with the arrival of All-Star guard Oscar Robertson. The team achieved a groundbreaking record of 66 victories, including a then-record of 20 straight wins.
June 3, 1971: Public Embrace of Muslim Name
During a press conference on June 3, 1971, at the State Department, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly announced his decision to be addressed by his Muslim name, reflecting a significant step in his personal and spiritual journey.
1971: Conversion to Islam
At 24 years old, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar converted to Islam in 1971 and changed his name.
1971: First NBA Championship and Name Change
At the age of 24, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971. This year also marked the time he adopted the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1971: First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, clinched their first-ever NBA Championship, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in a dominant 4-0 victory in the Finals. Abdul-Jabbar's exceptional performance earned him the Finals MVP award.
1971: Public Adoption of Muslim Name
In 1971, three years after converting to Islam, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began publicly using his Muslim name, marking a significant moment in his personal and spiritual journey.
1971: Marriage to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar married Habiba Abdul-Jabbar in 1971.
1972: Freshman Eligibility Changes in College Basketball
Prior to 1972, freshman players in college basketball, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his first year at UCLA, were ineligible to play on the varsity team.
1972: Abdul-Jabbar makes film debut in "Game of Death"
In 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ventured into acting, making his film debut in Bruce Lee's martial arts movie "Game of Death."
1972: Appearance in "Game of Death"
In 1972, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared in Bruce Lee's film "Game of Death," showcasing his martial arts skills.
1973: Donation of Hanafi Madh-Hab Center
In 1973, the house Kareem Abdul-Jabbar purchased for Hamaas Abdul Khaalis was the site of the Hanafi Muslim massacre.
1973: NBA Begins Recording Defensive Rebounds
The NBA began officially recording defensive rebounds in the 1973-74 season, marking a change in how the league tracked player statistics.
September 1974: Robertson's Retirement and Trade Considerations
Following Oscar Robertson's retirement as a free agent in September 1974, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began to contemplate his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, ultimately leading him to privately request a trade. He expressed a preference for the New York Knicks, followed by the Washington Bullets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
1974: Abdul-Jabbar Adopts Trademark Goggles
After being poked in the eye during a preseason game in 1974, Abdul-Jabbar began wearing his iconic goggles for protection.
1974: Continued Dominance and Pursuit of Championship
In 1974, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continued to be a dominant force in the NBA, leading the Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title. Despite winning his third MVP award in four years, the Bucks' championship aspirations were cut short as they fell to the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the Finals.
1974: Blocked Shots Statistic Introduced
The NBA officially began recording blocked shots as a statistic in 1974, the fourth year of Abdul-Jabbar's career.
March 13, 1975: Trade Request and Desire for Change
On March 13, 1975, sportscaster Marv Albert reported Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's request for a trade, expressing his desire to play for either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers. Abdul-Jabbar confirmed his desire for a change of scenery, seeking a new environment that better aligned with his cultural needs.
1975: Trade to the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would go on to play for 14 seasons.
1975: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Hand Punching Backboard Support
In a previous incident in 1975, Abdul-Jabbar had also broken his hand by punching the backboard support, highlighting the intensity of his playing style.
1975: The Lakers Trade for Abdul-Jabbar
In 1975, the Lakers made a significant trade, acquiring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from the Bucks. This move would mark the beginning of Abdul-Jabbar's successful career with the Lakers.
1976: Abdul-Jabbar Wins His Fifth MVP, Lakers Lose to Trail Blazers in Playoffs
Despite leading the Lakers to the best record in the league and winning his fifth MVP award in 1976, Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers were swept by Bill Walton and the Portland Trail Blazers in a memorable playoff series.
1976: Abdul-Jabbar Embraces Yoga for Flexibility and Longevity
Recognizing the importance of flexibility and longevity, Abdul-Jabbar incorporated yoga into his training regimen in 1976, a practice he credited with extending his career.
1976: Lakers Acquire Draft Pick Used to Select Magic Johnson
The Lakers had acquired the draft pick used to select Magic Johnson from the New Orleans Jazz in 1976 as compensation for the Jazz signing free agent Gail Goodrich.
1976: NCAA Rescinds Dunk Ban
The NCAA lifted the ban on dunking, known as the "Alcindor Rule," during the 1976-1977 season, several years after its implementation.
1978: Lakers Eliminated by SuperSonics in Playoffs
Despite Abdul-Jabbar's strong play, the Lakers were eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the 1978 playoffs.
1978: Abdul-Jabbar Returns from Injury, Misses All-Star Game
Despite returning from injury and putting up strong performances, Abdul-Jabbar was not selected for the 1978 All-Star Game, marking the only time in his career that he would miss the game.
1978: Divorce from Habiba Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Habiba Abdul-Jabbar divorced in 1978.
1979: Abdul-Jabbar's Fitness Regimen and Strategic Play
Abdul-Jabbar's dedication to fitness was evident in his switch from free weights to Nautilus equipment. He also adopted strategic playing styles to conserve energy, showcasing his basketball IQ.
1979: Abdul-Jabbar Briefly Abandons Goggles
Despite their practicality, Abdul-Jabbar briefly stopped wearing his goggles during the 1979 playoffs.
1979: Lakers Draft Magic Johnson
The Lakers drafted Magic Johnson in 1979, a pivotal moment that would change the franchise's trajectory and usher in the "Showtime" era.
1979: Lakers Eliminated by SuperSonics in Playoffs Again
The Lakers, once again, faced elimination in the playoffs at the hands of the Seattle SuperSonics, this time in the semifinals of the 1979 playoffs.
1979: Utah Jazz Move to Salt Lake City
The Utah Jazz moved to Salt Lake City from New Orleans before the 1979–80 season.
October 1980: Abdul-Jabbar Resumes Wearing Goggles After Eye Injury
After briefly abandoning his trademark goggles, Abdul-Jabbar resumed wearing them in October 1980 following an eye injury caused by Houston's Rudy Tomjanovich.
1980: Abdul-Jabbar's Continued Excellence and Sixth MVP Award
Abdul-Jabbar's dominance continued beyond his peak years, earning him his sixth and final MVP award in 1980. His dedication to fitness, including the use of yoga, allowed him to maintain a high level of play throughout his career.
1980: Abdul-Jabbar Wins Sixth MVP, Lakers Win Championship
The addition of Magic Johnson paid off immediately as the Lakers won the 1980 NBA Championship, with Abdul-Jabbar winning his record sixth MVP award despite missing Game 6 of the Finals due to an ankle injury.
1980: Abdul-Jabbar stars in comedy classic "Airplane!"
In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar showcased his comedic timing with a memorable role as co-pilot Roger Murdock in the disaster movie parody "Airplane!"
1981: Abdul-Jabbar Addresses Criticism and Emphasizes Strategy Over Hustle
In 1981, Abdul-Jabbar responded to criticisms about his perceived lack of hustle, emphasizing the importance of strategic play and energy conservation during his long playing time on the court.
1981: Lakers Win Championship, Abdul-Jabbar Battles Migraines in Finals
The Lakers secured another championship in 1981, but Abdul-Jabbar's performance was hampered by migraines during the Finals series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
1983: House Fire
In 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down, destroying many of his belongings, including his jazz LP collection.
1983: Abdul-Jabbar publishes autobiography "Giant Steps"
In 1983, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with co-author Peter Knobler, released his autobiography titled "Giant Steps," paying homage to jazz legend John Coltrane.
1983: 76ers Defeat Lakers in Finals, Moses Malone Outplays Abdul-Jabbar
The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Moses Malone, swept the Lakers in the 1983 NBA Finals, with Malone's dominance over Abdul-Jabbar in the series playing a key role in the 76ers' victory.
April 5, 1984: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks NBA Career Scoring Record
On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar etched his name in basketball history by surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's all-time NBA scoring record, achieving this milestone against the Utah Jazz.
1984: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Breaks the NBA's Career Scoring Record
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made history by breaking the NBA's career scoring record, reaching an impressive 38,387 points.
1984: Abdul-Jabbar plays a genie in "Tales from the Darkside"
In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took on a fantastical role, playing a genie in an episode of the anthology television series "Tales from the Darkside."
1985: Abdul-Jabbar Wins Finals MVP, Lakers Defeat Celtics
At 38 years old, Abdul-Jabbar became the oldest player to be named Finals MVP as he led the Lakers past their rivals, the Boston Celtics, to win the 1985 NBA Championship.
1985: Pat Riley hails Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player ever
In 1985, Pat Riley declared Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the greatest player ever, citing his record-breaking achievements, championships, and resilience.
1985: Abdul-Jabbar Breaks Record for Most Seasons Played
In the 1985-86 season, Abdul-Jabbar achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career by surpassing Dolph Schayes, John Havlicek, Paul Silas, and Elvin Hayes' record for most seasons played in the NBA with 17.
December 1986: Abdul-Jabbar Sidelined Due to Corneal Erosion Syndrome
In December 1986, Abdul-Jabbar missed three games due to corneal erosion syndrome, a result of repeated eye pokes throughout his career, highlighting the physical toll of the sport.
1986: Abdul-Jabbar Gains Weight for Competition
Recognizing the increasing number of taller players in the league, Abdul-Jabbar made the strategic decision to gain weight before the 1986-87 season, aiming to remain competitive against the NBA's emerging generation of centers.
1986: Abdul-Jabbar's Dominant Offensive Game
By 1986, Abdul-Jabbar had further developed his physique, reaching 270 pounds, enhancing his presence under the basket. His ambidextrous skyhook shot remained a formidable weapon, contributing to his reputation as a clutch scorer.
1987: Lakers Defeat Celtics in Finals
The Lakers continued their dominance in the late 1980s by defeating the Boston Celtics in the 1987 NBA Finals.
1988: Lakers Defeat Pistons in Finals, Abdul-Jabbar Announces Retirement
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar concluded his final NBA season with a championship victory, as the Lakers triumphed over the Detroit Pistons in the 1988 NBA Finals. Following the game, he announced his retirement from professional basketball.
1989: Retirement from the NBA
At the age of 42, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired from the NBA in 1989, holding numerous regular-season career records.
February 10, 1994: Abdul-Jabbar appears on "In Living Color"
On February 10, 1994, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared as himself on the sketch comedy show "In Living Color," displaying his comedic versatility.
1994: Abdul-Jabbar co-produces "The Vernon Johns Story"
In 1994, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went behind the scenes as the co-executive producer for the TV film "The Vernon Johns Story," showcasing his involvement in filmmaking beyond acting.
1995: Abdul-Jabbar Expresses Interest in Coaching
In 1995, despite a successful playing career, Abdul-Jabbar faced limited opportunities when he expressed interest in coaching. His reputation for being introverted and sometimes distant with the media may have contributed to this.
1998: Lawsuit Settlement with Karim Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reached a settlement in his lawsuit against Karim Abdul-Jabbar in 1998 regarding the use of his name.
1998: Abdul-Jabbar Volunteers as Coach at Alchesay High School
Demonstrating his commitment to basketball and mentoring, Abdul-Jabbar volunteered as a coach at Alchesay High School on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in 1998.
2002: Abdul-Jabbar Coaches Oklahoma Storm to Championship
Abdul-Jabbar served as the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm in the USBL in 2002, guiding them to a league championship.
2003: LeBron James Enters the NBA
LeBron James, who would eventually surpass Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record, entered the NBA directly from high school in 2003.
2005: Abdul-Jabbar Joins Los Angeles Lakers as Assistant Coach
Abdul-Jabbar returned to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005, working as a special assistant coach under Phil Jackson for six seasons, mentoring young players like Andrew Bynum.
2006: Abdul-Jabbar appears in "HipHopKetball II" skit on "The Colbert Report"
In 2006, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar demonstrated his humor by appearing in a skit called "HipHopKetball II: The ReJazzebration Remix '06" on "The Colbert Report."
2007: Named ESPN's Greatest Center of All Time
In 2007, ESPN recognized Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's dominance on the court by naming him the greatest center of all time.
2007: ESPN ranks Abdul-Jabbar the best center of all time
In 2007, ESPN voted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the best center of all time, ahead of Wilt Chamberlain.
December 2008: Leukemia Diagnosis
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in December 2008.
2008: Recognized as the Greatest Player in College Basketball History
Further solidifying his legacy, ESPN named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the greatest player in college basketball history in 2008.
2008: Abdul-Jabbar takes the stage as a stage manager on "The Colbert Report"
In 2008, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made another appearance on "The Colbert Report," this time playing the role of a stage manager tasked with finding Nazi gold.
November 2009: Leukemia Diagnosis Announcement
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced his leukemia diagnosis in November 2009.
February 10, 2011: Abdul-Jabbar debuts film "On the Shoulders of Giants"
On February 10, 2011, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar premiered his film "On the Shoulders of Giants" at Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey, sharing the story of the New York Renaissance basketball team.
February 2011: Announcement of Leukemia Remission
In February 2011, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced that his leukemia was in remission.
2011: Abdul-Jabbar Concludes Coaching Stint with Lakers
Abdul-Jabbar's time as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers came to an end in 2011 after six seasons.
2011: Abdul-Jabbar lends his voice to "The Simpsons"
In 2011, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar joined the ranks of celebrities who have lent their voices to "The Simpsons," appearing as himself in the episode "Love Is a Many Strangled Thing."
2011: Double Helix Medal and Honorary Degree
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar received the Double Helix Medal and an honorary degree from New York Institute of Technology in 2011.
January 2012: Appointment as Cultural Ambassador
In January 2012, Hillary Clinton appointed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a cultural ambassador for the United States.
2012: Abdul-Jabbar joins "Guys with Kids"
From 2012 to 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a recurring role as himself on the NBC sitcom "Guys with Kids."
2012: Appointed U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador
In 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to serve as a U.S. global cultural ambassador.
2013: Abdul-Jabbar Steps Away from Coaching
After unsuccessfully seeking head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks, Abdul-Jabbar transitioned away from coaching in 2013.
2013: Julius Erving names Abdul-Jabbar the top player of all time
In 2013, Julius Erving declared Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the number one player of all time, emphasizing his dominance and impact on the game.
2013: Abdul-Jabbar takes the plunge on "Splash"
In 2013, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar participated in the ABC reality series "Splash," a celebrity diving competition, testing his skills in a new arena.
2013: Abdul-Jabbar expresses desire to be remembered for more than basketball on Al Jazeera English
In an interview on Al Jazeera English, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar expressed his hope to be remembered not only for his basketball career but also for his intellect and other contributions beyond the court.
November 2014: Essay on College Athlete Compensation
In November 2014, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar published an essay in Jacobin advocating for fair compensation for college athletes.
2014: Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Hays reprise "Airplane!" roles for Wisconsin tourism
In 2014, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Hays, his co-star from "Airplane!", reunited to reprise their iconic roles in a parody commercial promoting tourism in Wisconsin.
January 25, 2015: Appearance on Meet the Press
On January 25, 2015, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar appeared on Meet the Press to discuss his Time column arguing against blaming Islam for violent extremism.
April 2015: Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis and Surgery
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery in April 2015.
2015: ESPN names Abdul-Jabbar best center and second-greatest NBA player ever
In 2015, ESPN recognized Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's dominance by naming him the best center in NBA history and ranking him No. 2 behind Michael Jordan among the greatest NBA players ever.
2015: HBO documentary "Kareem: Minority of One" airs
In 2015, HBO aired "Kareem: Minority of One," a documentary that offered an in-depth look at the life and career of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Barack Obama awarded Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
2016: Ranked Second Best Player in NBA History by ESPN and Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2016, ESPN ranked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the second-best player in NBA history, behind Michael Jordan. President Barack Obama also awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom that year.
2016: Tribute to Muhammad Ali
In 2016, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar performed a tribute to his friend Muhammad Ali alongside Chance the Rapper.
2016: Abdul-Jabbar's rookie card sets record for highest price
In 2016, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's only recognized rookie card achieved the distinction of becoming the most expensive basketball card ever sold at auction, selling for $501,900.
January 2017: Appointment to Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
In January 2017, Steven Mnuchin appointed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
2017: Condemnation of Trump's Travel Ban
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly condemned Donald Trump's 2017 travel ban, calling it a rejection of sacred values.
April 2018: Abdul-Jabbar competes on "Dancing with the Stars"
In April 2018, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar showcased his dance moves by competing on the all-athlete season of "Dancing with the Stars," partnering with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold.
September 2018: Abdul-Jabbar announced as writer for "Veronica Mars" revival
In September 2018, it was revealed that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would be joining the writing team for the revival of the television series "Veronica Mars," set to premiere in July 2019.
2018: NBA Rookie Record Tied
In 2018, Jayson Tatum tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA rookie record of having 10 or more games with at least 20 points scored during the playoffs, originally set during Abdul-Jabbar's impressive debut season.
2018: Abdul-Jabbar ranked highly in various "Greatest Players" lists
In 2018, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 4 in Slam's "Top 100 Players Of All-Time".
2018: Resignation from Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar resigned from the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee in 2018 due to personal obligations.
February 2019: Abdul-Jabbar appears in "The Big Bang Theory"
In February 2019, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made a guest appearance in "The D&D Vortex," an episode of the popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory."
July 2019: Revival of "Veronica Mars" premieres
July 2019 marked the premiere of the revived "Veronica Mars" series, which featured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of the writers.
2019: Continued Legacy at UCLA
As of the 2019-20 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar continues to hold or share a number of individual records at UCLA, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time.
2020: ESPN ranks Abdul-Jabbar in top 3 of all-time NBA players
In 2020, ESPN ranked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as No. 3 in their list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, solidifying his place as one of the game's greats.
2020: Abdul-Jabbar narrates and produces "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution"
In 2020, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took on the role of executive producer and narrator for the History channel's special "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution," earning an Emmy Award nomination for his narration.
2020: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Reveal
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed his past prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020.
2020: Primetime Emmy Award Nomination
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Narrator for his work on "Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution" in 2020.
June 2021: Essay on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
In June 2021, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote an essay in Jacobin criticizing public figures, including Kyrie Irving, for their stance on the COVID-19 vaccine.
2021: Abdul-Jabbar guest stars in "Dave"
In 2021, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made a special guest appearance as himself on the comedy series "Dave," with the episode even being named after him.
2022: Abdul-Jabbar cameos in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery"
In 2022, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a cameo appearance as himself in the Netflix mystery film "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery."
2022: Abdul-Jabbar honored in NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2022, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was honored with a place on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further cementing his legacy as one of the league's all-time greats.
February 7, 2023: LeBron James Breaks Abdul-Jabbar's Scoring Record
On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA career scoring record, a record Abdul-Jabbar held for nearly 39 years. Abdul-Jabbar attended the game and passed the ball to James in recognition of the accomplishment.
February 2023: Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis and Advocacy
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke out about his atrial fibrillation diagnosis in February 2023 and partnered with "No Time to Wait" to raise awareness.
December 2023: Broken Hip
In December 2023, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his hip after falling at a concert.
2023: Abdul-Jabbar appears in "Billions"
In 2023, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made an appearance as himself in an episode of the Showtime series "Billions."
2023: LeBron James Surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Scoring Record
In 2023, LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing record of 38,387 career points, which Abdul-Jabbar had held for nearly 39 years.
2023: LeBron James Surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Scoring Record
In 2023, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's long-held career scoring record, marking a significant moment in NBA history.
2023: Abdul-Jabbar remains Pat Riley's choice for greatest even as LeBron James nears scoring record
In 2023, as LeBron James approached Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring record, Pat Riley reaffirmed his belief that Abdul-Jabbar remains the greatest, highlighting the unstoppable nature of his skyhook shot.