From Lew Alcindor to Kareem: The Long Road of a Giant

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born in 1947 as Lew Alcindor. A giant prospect by his teens, he played college ball at UCLA under John Wooden, winning three straight titles and twice the Most Outstanding Player, establishing collegiate dominance.

In the 1969 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks took him first overall. As a rookie he reached the Finals and won, taking Finals MVP. In 1971 he converted to Islam and formally became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Traded to the Lakers in 1975, he formed a cross-era duo with Magic Johnson.

In Lakers colors Kareem reached six Finals and won five rings (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), blending UCLA discipline with Showtime flair. His 20-season career ended in 1989 with scoring and blocks among the all-time leaders.

From Lew Alcindor to Kareem, from Milwaukee to Los Angeles, his longevity told the league: true greatness crosses eras, names, and injuries — as long as the sky hook survives.

Related Reading

• 1985 NBA Finals MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
• 1980 NBA MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
• 1976 NBA MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
• 1977 NBA MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers)
• 1972 NBA MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks)