Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, is a retired American professional basketball player renowned for his 20-season career in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
A six-time NBA Most Valuable Player, he won six championships as a player and two as an assistant coach. Known for his skyhook shot, Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s career scoring record until 2023. Beyond basketball, he’s an acclaimed author, actor, martial artist, and global cultural ambassador.
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth
With a celebrated career and numerous endorsements, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has an estimated net worth of $25 million. His wealth, though significant, stands dwarfed by his contributions to the game and society.
Early life
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was born in Harlem, New York City, to Cora Lillian and Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., a transit police officer and jazz musician. Raised in the Dyckman Street projects of Upper Manhattan, he grew rapidly, standing 5 ft 8 in tall by age nine. Known as “The Tower from Power,” he led Power Memorial Academy to three New York City Catholic championships and a 71-game winning streak. Alcindor’s interest in racial politics was sparked during the Harlem Riot of 1964.
Career
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., is a retired American professional basketball player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Born on April 16, 1947, in New York City, Abdul-Jabbar achieved fame both in college at UCLA and in the NBA.
Abdul-Jabbar’s career began at Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan, where he gained national attention as a high school basketball star. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, he was already a dominant force in the game. After high school, he attended UCLA, where he played under legendary coach John Wooden.
At UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) was a standout player, leading the Bruins to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969. He was a three-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and a three-time consensus All-American.
In 1969, Abdul-Jabbar was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Draft. He immediately made an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award and leading the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971. His tenure with the Bucks also saw him develop the unstoppable skyhook shot, which became his signature move.
In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for the remainder of his career. Alongside Magic Johnson, he helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980s, solidifying their dynasty and earning him two more NBA Finals MVP awards.
Throughout his career, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his scoring prowess, defensive abilities, and leadership on and off the court. He retired in 1989 as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points (a record since surpassed by Karl Malone and then by LeBron James in 2023), and he remains the league’s all-time leader in field goals made and minutes played.
Personal life
Abdul-Jabbar married Janice Brown in 1971, and they had three children: Habiba, Sultana, and Kareem Jr., who played basketball at Western Kentucky. They divorced in 1978. He has another son, Amir, with Cheryl Pistono, and a son named Adam, who appeared with him on Full House.
In 1983, his house burned down, destroying his cherished jazz LP collection of about 3,000 albums. Lakers fans rallied, sending him albums that lifted his spirits. In 2016, Abdul-Jabbar paid tribute to Muhammad Ali alongside Chance the Rapper.
What medication does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar advertise?
Kareem advocates for awareness of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and its symptoms, collaborating with Bristol Myers Squibb for their campaign “No Time to Wait”.
Conclusion
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s journey is a testament to talent, hard work, and dedication. Beyond the glitz of the NBA, his commitment to societal causes and personal integrity makes him a true legend, both on and off the court.
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FAQs about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Net Worth
- Who is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
A retired NBA legend known for his signature skyhook shot. - How much is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth?
He has an estimated net worth of $25 million. - What is Kareem famous for, apart from basketball?
He’s recognized for his social activism and contributions as a writer. - Why is Kareem considered one of the greatest players?
His records, longevity, and consistent high-level performance make him one of the best. - How much did Kareem earn from selling his rings and trophies?
He sold them for $2.8 million, which he generously donated to youth education programs.
