Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
NBA legend, 6x champion, all-time leading scorer, skyhook innovator
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947) is an American retired professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in NBA history. Originally playing under his birth name Lew Alcindor, he dominated college basketball at UCLA under coach John Wooden, winning three NCAA championships. After converting to Islam in 1968 and adopting the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971, he became an iconic figure both on and off the court. He spent 20 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he formed a legendary partnership with Magic Johnson. Abdul-Jabbar's signature skyhook shot was nearly unstoppable and revolutionized basketball strategy. He won six NBA championships, three MVP awards, and scored an unprecedented 38,387 career points—a record that stood for nearly 40 years. Beyond basketball, Abdul-Jabbar has been an influential advocate for civil rights, social justice, and education. He has authored several books, acted in films, and remained a prominent public intellectual and humanitarian throughout his post-basketball career.
Athlete
American
1947
Thinking about the name
Kareem
Arabic origin
“Derived from the Arabic 'Karim,' meaning 'noble,' 'generous,' or 'kind-hearted,' Kareem is a virtue name emphasizing moral character. This name carries significant prestige in Islamic tradition and has been borne by prominent athletes and cultural figures. It represents both religious meaning and contemporary global recognition.”