NBA's Greatest Players in History: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

• Second all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points
• Won 6 NBA championships and 6 MVP awards
• Revolutionised the game with his signature "skyhook" shot
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated the NBA for two decades, setting records and changing the game with his unparalleled skill and signature skyhook shot.

Overview

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's impact on basketball spanned from the late 1960s through the 1980s. He entered the league in 1969 as Lew Alcindor, already famous from his college days at UCLA. Over his 20-year NBA career, Abdul-Jabbar established himself as one of the most dominant and accomplished players in history.

Standing at 7'2", Abdul-Jabbar used his height and finesse to become an unstoppable offensive force. His signature skyhook shot was virtually unblockable and helped him score over 38,000 career points. Beyond his scoring prowess, Abdul-Jabbar was an elite defender and rebounder as well.

Abdul-Jabbar's career achievements are staggering. He won six NBA championships (one with Milwaukee, five with the Lakers), was named MVP six times, and made the All-Star team 19 times. He retired as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a record that stood for nearly 40 years until LeBron James broke it in 2023.

Career snapshot

Abdul-Jabbar was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969 after a dominant college career at UCLA. He immediately made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the Bucks to an NBA title in just his second season.

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would spend the rest of his career. He formed a dynamic duo with Magic Johnson in the 1980s, leading the "Showtime" Lakers to five championships. Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989 at age 42, having played 20 seasons in the NBA.

Playing style

Abdul-Jabbar's game was built around his unguardable skyhook shot. At 7'2" with long arms, he could shoot the skyhook from seemingly impossible angles. This signature move helped him become the most prolific scorer in NBA history.

While best known for his offence, Abdul-Jabbar was also an excellent defender and rebounder. He used his length to block shots and alter opponents' attempts around the rim. His basketball IQ and positioning made him an elite rebounder as well.

As he aged, Abdul-Jabbar adapted his game. He relied more on finesse and his skyhook rather than athleticism. His longevity was remarkable - he was still an All-Star caliber player into his 40s.

Why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is on our list

Abdul-Jabbar's combination of individual dominance and team success puts him in the conversation for greatest player ever. His six MVP awards are tied for the most all-time. He led his teams to six championships across two decades. And his scoring record stood for nearly 40 years.

Beyond the numbers, Abdul-Jabbar changed the game with his skyhook shot. No player before or since has mastered a signature move to that degree. His skill and longevity allowed him to impact the NBA across multiple eras, from the 1970s through the 1980s.

Five Fast Facts

• Changed his name from Lew Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971 after converting to Islam
• Won three consecutive NCAA championships at UCLA from 1967-1969
• Holds the NBA record for most career points (38,387) and most career wins (1,074)
• Made the All-Star team 19 times in his 20 NBA seasons
• His skyhook shot is widely considered the most unstoppable move in NBA history

Abdul-Jabbar's impact extended beyond basketball as well. He was outspoken on social and political issues throughout his career and remains an influential voice today. His intellectual pursuits and activism have made him a respected figure well beyond the basketball court.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's combination of individual brilliance, team success, and longevity make him one of the most dominant players in NBA history. From his college days through two decades in the NBA, Abdul-Jabbar set records and changed the game in ways that may never be replicated.

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