How Long Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Play in the NBA?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in the NBA for an incredible 20 seasons. He is one of the greatest players of all time and holds many records, including the most points scored in a career.

Introduction

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player who is currently the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is considered one of the greatest players in basketball history.

Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. His father, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., was a jazz musician, and his mother, Cora Lillian, was a Department of Health inspector. He has four brothers and sisters: two older sisters (namely, Barbara and Cecilia), an older brother (railroad worker Alvin), and a younger sister (Ayesha).

He attended high school at Power Memorial Academy in New York City where he was coached by Jack Donahue. In his junior year, he led Power Memorial to the New York City Catholic High School championship game against rival De Witt Clinton High School. In that game, he set a still-standing prep school record by scoring 56 points and grabbing 25 rebounds.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Career

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired professional basketball player who is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He played 20 seasons in the NBA, winning six NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Abdul-Jabbar was a 19-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He also holds the NBA record for most points scored in a career.

Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the first overall pick in the 1969 NBA draft. He played for the Bucks for six seasons, winning an NBA championship in 1971. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player three times during his time with the Bucks.

Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

On June 16, 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, and Junior Bridgeman. The following season, he became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to win the league MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year. In 1977, he was voted one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Abdul-Jabbar’s impact on the Lakers was immediate. They improved from 30–52 to 56–26 in his first season with the team. In his second season, Abdul-Jabbar helped lead them to a 60-22 record and their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1970. The 60 wins were a then-record for a team that had finished with such a poor record only three years earlier. In Game 6 of the 1977 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Abdul-Jabbar made a skyhook shot with 52 seconds left to give the Lakers a lead they would not relinquish. The play is considered one of the most important moments in NBA history. He was named Finals MVP as the Lakers won their first championship since moving to Los Angeles.

Won six NBA championships

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played in the NBA for 20 seasons, winning six championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points, and is considered one of the greatest players in basketball history.

Conclusion

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons in the NBA before retiring in 1989. Over the course of his career, he won six NBA Championships, two Finals MVPs, and was named to 19All-Star teams. He remains the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points.