Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Biography

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. (born April 16, 1947) in New York City, grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Harlem in a family of Trinidadian descent, raised in the Catholic tradition and imbued with values ​​such as honor and dignity. An only child, he was quickly marked by his exceptional height: from elementary school onward, he played with the tallest kids, and at fourteen, already over two meters (6'7"), he was able to dunk. His adolescence was punctuated by episodes of social confrontation and learning the art of street basketball, which forged his competitive spirit. Abdul-Jabbar distinguished himself early on at Power Memorial Academy, where he set records for points and rebounds, leading his team to 71 consecutive victories and three New York State high school championships. This period is unanimously recognized as one of the greatest high school basketball careers in history. In 1965, he entered UCLA under the tutelage of John Wooden and dominated the sport, winning three consecutive NCAA titles from 1967 to 1969 and being named the tournament MVP each time. His impact on the game was so significant that the NCAA temporarily banned the dunk during his time there. In 1969, Abdul-Jabbar was the first overall pick in the NBA draft and joined the Milwaukee Bucks. In his first season, he distinguished himself with impressive statistics (28.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists) and was named Rookie of the Year. In 1971, he led the Bucks to the NBA title—the franchise's only championship—and won his first MVP award. It was also during this period that he converted to Islam, taking the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, publicly affirming his spiritual choice at a time when American society was still experiencing significant racial tensions. Abdul-Jabbar then joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where his career reached legendary proportions. He won five more NBA titles, bringing his total to six, and accumulated six MVP awards. He participated in 19 All-Star Games, was a two-time league scoring champion, and holds the career scoring record (38,387 points). His accolades also include two Finals MVP awards and a multitude of individual and team accolades. He holds eight playoff records and seven All-Star Game records, and was named to the NBA's 35th and 50th Anniversary Teams. Technically, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revolutionized basketball by inventing, perfecting, and popularizing the "sky hook," a unique move that no one has equaled: a curling arm shot, difficult to block and incredibly effective, which became his signature weapon. He is also recognizable by his protective goggles, which he adopted after an eye injury during his college years. His renown extends far beyond the world of sports: Abdul-Jabbar dedicated his life to the fight for civil rights and the promotion of African American culture, writing several books and regularly participating in public debate. Adored for his athletic achievements, respected for his strength of character and social activism, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains, for many, the greatest legend in basketball history—a champion with universal values ​​and an icon whose influence endures far beyond the court.

Known For

Roger Murdock

Airplane!

Sin

I Tried

Hakim

死亡遊戲

Self

The Iceman

Self

Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon

Self

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

Self (archive footage)

Stand

Self

Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault

Self

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

Comentador

The GREATEST : Bruce Lee

Self

The Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Self - Narrator (voice)

Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War

Self

Bully Smart for Kids

Himself

Los Angeles Lakers: 1984-1985 NBA Champions Return To Glory

Himself

Los Angeles Lakers: '87 The Drive For Five

Self (archive footage)

O.J.: Made in America

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Forget Paris

Self (archive footage)

All New Dazzling Dunks and Basketball Bloopers

Himself / Hakim

Bruce Lee in G.O.D.

Self

A Night to Die For

Hakim / Mantis

The Game of Death

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Self

Kareem: Minority of One

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Fletch

Archangel

Slam Dunk Ernest

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

BASEketball

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Troop Beverly Hills

Man at Sal's House

Hoodwinked

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

D2: The Mighty Ducks

Self

The Black List: Volume One

Self

Kobe Doin' Work

Himself

Ask Max

Self (archive footage)

Kobe Bryant's Muse

Self - Los Angeles Lakers

Detroit Pistons: 1988-1989 NBA Champions - Motor City Madness

Self - Student / Friend

Be Water

Self

The Curse of the Dragon

Self - Narrator

On the Shoulders of Giants

Self

1968

Self - Narrator (voice)

Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution

Self

The Journey of the African-American Athlete

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

John Bronco

P.J.

Weapons

Hank

Whitepaddy

Self

A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks

Self

All-Star Rock 'N' Wrestling Saturday Spectacular

Self

Fight the Power: The Movements That Changed America

Himself

Undefeated: The Roger Brown Story

Self

Philadelphia 76ers 1983 - That Championship Feeling

Self - Co-Host

Saving OurSelves: BET COVID-19 Relief Effort

Self (archive footage)

John Candy: I Like Me

Mantis

Game of Death Redux