Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Dominating as a center for 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he won a record six MVP awards. He was a 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and 11-time All-Defensive Team selection. Abdul-Jabbar secured six NBA championships as a player and two as an assistant coach, earning two Finals MVP awards. A Hall of Famer, he held the NBA's career scoring record from 1984 until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023. His accolades include membership in three NBA anniversary teams.

Sections (6)

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

1967: National Player of the Year

In 1967, Alcindor won the National player of the year award.

1968: NCAA Champion

In 1968, Alcindor played on three NCAA basketball champion teams.

1969: National Player of the Year, NCAA Champion

In 1969, Alcindor was named a three-time national player of the year and played on three NCAA basketball champion teams.

1971: Won First NBA Title and Finals MVP

In 1971, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA title, sweeping the Baltimore Bullets, and Abdul-Jabbar was named the Finals MVP.

1971: Won First NBA Championship and Changed Name

In 1971, Lew Alcindor led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship at age 24, and subsequently took the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1974: MVP Award and Finals Appearance

In 1974, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his third MVP Award in four years and led the Milwaukee Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title. He was among the top five NBA players in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal percentage. The Bucks advanced to the 1974 NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in seven games.

1974: Blocks Recorded

In 1974, the basketball statistic for blocks was first recorded, marking the fourth year of Abdul-Jabbar's career. He retired as the third all-time in registered blocks (3,189).

1976: Lakers improved record

In 1976, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the best record in the NBA.

1980: Won Sixth MVP Award

In 1980, Abdul-Jabbar won his sixth and final MVP award, continuing to average above 20 points in the following six seasons.

1980: NBA Championship and Finals Injury

In 1980, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his record sixth MVP award and led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Championship, although he sprained his ankle in Game 5 of the finals.

1981: Another Championship

In 1981, The Los Angeles Lakers won another NBA championship.

1983: Finals Loss to 76ers

In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals but were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers.

April 5, 1984: Breaks Scoring Record

On April 5, 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for most career points in the NBA, scoring on his signature skyhook against the Utah Jazz.

1984: Broke NBA's Career Scoring Record

In 1984, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record, marking a significant milestone in his career.

1985: Finals MVP

In 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his second Finals MVP, becoming the oldest player to win the award. The Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in the finals.

1986: Breaks NBA record

In 1986, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season, breaking the previous NBA record for seasons played of 16.

1987: NBA Championship

In 1987, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers won the championship over the Boston Celtics.

1988: NBA Championship

In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, defeated the Detroit Pistons for the NBA championship.

2002: Head Coach of Oklahoma Storm

In 2002, Abdul-Jabbar was the head coach of the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League, leading the team to the league's championship that season.

2007: Voted Best Center of All Time by ESPN

In 2007, Abdul-Jabbar was voted the best center of all time by ESPN, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Named Greatest Player in College Basketball History

In 2008, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was named the greatest player in college basketball history by ESPN, highlighting his achievements at UCLA.

February 2011: Announcement of Leukemia Status

In February 2011, Abdul-Jabbar announced that his leukemia was gone, later clarifying that the cancer was at an absolute minimum.

2011: Awards and Honors

In 2011, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Double Helix Medal for his work in raising awareness for cancer research and received an honorary degree from New York Institute of Technology.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2018: Ranked No. 4 in Slam's "Top 100 Players Of All-Time"

In 2018, Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 4 in Slam's "Top 100 Players Of All-Time".

2018: Tatum Ties Rookie Playoff Record

In 2018, Jayson Tatum tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA rookie record with 10 or more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs.

2019: UCLA Records

As of the 2019-20 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team season, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still holds or shares a number of individual records at UCLA.

2020: Emmy Nomination

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for his work on Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution.

2020: Ranked No. 3 in ESPN's List of Top 74 NBA Players

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was ranked No. 3 in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time.

2020: Executive Producer and Narrator

In 2020, Abdul-Jabbar was the executive producer and narrator of the History channel special Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his narration.

February 7, 2023: Career Scoring Record Broken

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar's 38,387 career points to become the NBA's new career scoring leader. Abdul-Jabbar attended the game and passed the game ball to James during the ceremony.