“The human physiology and the nature of basketball really aren”
- #wikipedia
- #quote
- #trusted-source
- #www.washingtonpost.com
Figure timeline
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player who was a center for 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Abdul-Jabbar won a record six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. He was a 19-time NBA Al…
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
entertainment · American basketball player (born 1947) · basketball player · basketball coach · actor · film producer · author · screenwriter · television actor · also Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr., Lew Alcindor, Abdul-Jabbar
Born 16 April 1947 · Q179051
108 published statements · 0 followers
See & hear
Photos & media
14 photos
Media from Wikimedia Commons, hotlinked at the source under its own licence — see each file for author and terms.
Live now
In the news
Pulling headlines from trusted outlets — this usually takes a few seconds
Checking the wires…
Feed scan
These are live links, not archived citations — they only join the timeline once a collect run verifies and archives them.
Live pulse
Recent highlights
Most recent outstanding titles, awards, and quotes
- Quote
- Award
2026· 5 entries
Published video “Marvin Gaye sings American National Anthem Happy 250th Birthday America”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Published video “Documentary Tells Neda's Story”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Published video “Its probably AI but baby talk always makes me laugh”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Published video “Trevor Noah Gives Bad Bunny His Flowers at the GRAMMYs”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
2025· 1 entry
Published video “CBS Mornings KAREEM 2025 05 15”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
2024· 2 entries
Published video “Memories of Bill Walton: My Rival, My Brother and My Close Friend”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Published video “In Memory of Bill Waltons Passing 5/27/24”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
2023· 3 entries
Published video “Dogs Happy to See Owner”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Abdul-Jabbar appeared as himself in season 7, episode 3 of the Showtime series Billions
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
As James was on the verge of breaking the NBA career scoring record, Abdul-Jabbar remained as Riley's choice as the greatest: "We don't win championships without the greatest player in the history of the game, who had th
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2022· 3 entries
Published video “Skyhook Podcast: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is joined by Bob McAdoo telling Michael Cooper how it is...”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Published video “Skyhook Podcast - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper & Their Showtime Teammate Bob McAdoo”.
- #social
- #youtube
- #self-published
Snopes.com rated the claim “In March 2022, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote a widely-shared message in which he strongly criticized Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock.” Correct Attribution.
Shown as reported and rated by a fact checker, not as an established fact.
- #fact-check
- #rated
- #claim-about-figure
2021· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar made a guest appearance as himself in a season 2 episode of Dave
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2020· 2 entries
Abdul-Jabbar was the executive producer and narrator of the History channel special Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
The best center ever ahead of Bill Russell and Chamberlain
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2018· 1 entry
Due to what the Mint described as "increasing personal obligations"
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2017· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabber spoke at an event marking Ramadan organized by the Israeli consul Sam Grundwerg at the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles, stressing the importance of Muslim-Jewish relations and cross-cultural exchange
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2016· 4 entries
Won Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by Barack Obama (2016).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #trophy
- #achievement
Abdul-Jabbar's only recognized rookie card became the most expensive basketball card ever sold (the record has since been surpassed) when it went for $501,900 at auction
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Abdul-Jabbar performed a tribute to friend Muhammad Ali along with Chance the Rapper
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2015· 4 entries
To talk about a column saying that Islam should not be blamed for the actions of violent extremists, just as Christianity has not been blamed for the actions of violent extremists who profess Christianity
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
ESPN named Abdul-Jabbar the best center in NBA history, and ranked him No
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Abdul-Jabbar made his adult fiction writing debut with the Victorian mystery novel Mycroft Holmes, based around the titular character from the Sherlock Holmes stories
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Appeared in Kareem: Minority of One, an HBO documentary on his life
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2014· 3 entries
Awarded California Hall of Fame (2014).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
The UCLA Bruins wore "The Blueprint" Crazy 8 against Colorado on Feb
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Abdul-Jabbar and Airplane
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2013· 3 entries
Awarded NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Children (2013).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Julius Erving said: "In terms of players all-time, Kareem is still the number one guy
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
After unsuccessfully lobbying for open head coach positions with UCLA and the Milwaukee Bucks
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2012· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar was selected by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be a U
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2011· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar debuted his film On the Shoulders of Giants, documenting the tumultuous journey of the famed yet often-overlooked New York Renaissance professional basketball team, at Science Park High School in Newark, New
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2008· 1 entry
As a stage manager who is sent out on a mission to find Nazi gold
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2007· 1 entry
The greatest player in college basketball history in 2008, and the second best player in NBA history (behind Michael Jordan) in 2016
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2005· 1 entry
Joined Los Angeles Lakers in 2005.
- #sportsdb
- #transfer
- #career
2002· 1 entry
Leading the team to the league's championship that season, but he failed to land the head coaching position at Columbia University a year later
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
2000· 1 entry
Joined Los Angeles Clippers in 2000.
- #sportsdb
- #transfer
- #career
1995· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar began expressing an interest in coaching and imparting knowledge from his playing days
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1992· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar said he was no longer considering a comeback
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1989· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA's regular season career leader in points (38,387), games played (1,560), minutes (57,446), field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), blocked shots (3,189), defensive rebounds (9,39
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1986· 1 entry
Awarded All-NBA Team (1986).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
1985· 4 entries
Signed to a one-year extension of his contract at the same $2 million salary, while maintaining the option to retire after the 1985–86 season
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Awarded Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (1985).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (1985).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
When he became the oldest to win the award at 38 years and 54 days old
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1984· 3 entries
Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Lakers, with none of the money deferred
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Awarded All-NBA Team (1984).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain's record for most career points in the NBA
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1983· 2 entries
Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
In 1983, Abdul-Jabbar's house burned down.
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #life
- #personal-life
1981· 3 entries
Awarded All-NBA Team (1981).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA All-Defensive Team (1981).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Responded to criticism that he did not hustle: "You have to understand I have to play 42 to 45 minutes a night, and it's like mowing a huge estate lawn
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1980· 5 entries
Awarded All-NBA Team (1980).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1980).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA All-Defensive Team (1980).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Abdul-Jabbar played co-pilot Roger Murdock in Airplane
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Continued to average above 20 points in the following six seasons, including 23 points per game in his 17th season at age 38
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1979· 1 entry
Awarded NBA All-Defensive Team (1979).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
1978· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar and Janice divorced in 1978.
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #life
- #personal-life
1977· 2 entries
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1977).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded All-NBA Team (1977).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
1976· 5 entries
Won the All NBA First Team with _Retired Basketball (1976).
- #sportsdb
- #honour
- #title
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1976).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded All-NBA Team (1976).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
When league rules required that they compensate Los Angeles for their signing of free agent Gail Goodrich
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
To improve his flexibility, and was notable for his physical fitness regimen
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1975· 7 entries
Awarded NBA All-Defensive Team (1975).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Sportscaster Marv Albert reported that Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
After he punched the backboard support, was out for almost two months and missed 20 games
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Joined Los Angeles Lakers in 1975.
- #sportsdb
- #transfer
- #career
The Lakers acquired Abdul-Jabbar and reserve center Walt Wesley from the Bucks for center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, blue-chip rookies Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman, and cash
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Played for Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #team
- #sports
Was traded to the Lakers, with whom he played the final 14 seasons of his career, during which time the team won five NBA championships
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1974· 5 entries
Won the All NBA First Team with _Retired Basketball (1974).
- #sportsdb
- #honour
- #title
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1974).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA All-Defensive Team (1974).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded All-NBA Team (1974).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their fourth consecutive Midwest Division title, and he won his third MVP Award in four years
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1973· 3 entries
Won the All NBA First Team with _Retired Basketball (1973).
- #sportsdb
- #honour
- #title
Awarded All-NBA Team (1973).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Abdul-Jabbar embarked on a pilgrimage to Libya and Saudi Arabia with the goal of learning enough Arabic for self-study of the Quran, and he "emerged from this pilgrimage with [his] beliefs clarified and [his] faith renew
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1972· 3 entries
Won the All NBA First Team with _Retired Basketball (1972).
- #sportsdb
- #honour
- #title
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1972).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded All-NBA Team (1972).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
1971· 8 entries
Won the All NBA First Team with _Retired Basketball (1971).
- #sportsdb
- #honour
- #title
Awarded Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (1971).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1971).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded All-NBA Team (1971).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Stated that going forward he wanted to be called by his Muslim name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, its translation roughly "noble one, servant of the Almighty [i
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
And together had three children: daughters Habiba and Sultana and son Kareem Jr
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Legally became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Took the Muslim name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1970· 3 entries
Awarded NBA Rookie of the Year Award (1970).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Awarded NBA All-Rookie Team (1970).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Scored 51 points in a 140–127 win over the SuperSonics
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1969· 3 entries
Awarded Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1969).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #award
- #achievement
Joined Milwaukee Bucks in 1969.
- #sportsdb
- #transfer
- #career
Played for Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #team
- #sports
1968· 1 entry
In a game against California (UC Berkeley) when he was struck by Tom Henderson in a rebound battle
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1967· 1 entry
Abdul-Jabbar was the only college athlete to attend the Cleveland Summit, a meeting of prominent black athletes who convened in support of Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
1966· 1 entry
Joined UCLA in 1966.
- #sportsdb
- #transfer
- #career
1965· 2 entries
Abdul-Jabbar made his first public performance in UCLA's annual varsity–freshman exhibition game, attended by 12,051 fans in the inaugural game at the Bruins' new Pauley Pavilion
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikipedia
- #event
Played for UCLA Bruins men's basketball (1965–1969).
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #team
- #sports
1947· 1 entry
Born 1947-04-16.
Text from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- #wikidata
- #birth