Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. Over a 20-season NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, he amassed numerous accolades, including six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards—a record that still stands.
Abdul-Jabbar was also a 19-time NBA All-Star and a 15-time All-NBA Team selection. Renowned for his signature “skyhook” shot, he remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points.
Beyond basketball, Abdul-Jabbar has made significant contributions as an author, speaker, and cultural ambassador. He has written several books and frequently shares his perspectives on sports, politics, and culture through his Substack newsletter.
In 2012, he was appointed as a cultural ambassador by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, underscoring his influence beyond the sports world.
In recent discussions about NBA greats, Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy continues to be celebrated. For instance, Magic Johnson, a fellow Lakers legend, included Abdul-Jabbar in his all-time Lakers starting five, highlighting his unparalleled impact on the game.
Additionally, recent rankings of the greatest NBA centers place Abdul-Jabbar at the top, acknowledging his dominance and enduring influence on the sport.