Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rejoins the Lakers organization for his first season as a Special Assistant Coach on Phil Jackson's staff. In his position, Abdul-Jabbar will work with Lakers players throughout the season at all home practices and help tutor and develop the team's young big men.
Originally joining the Lakers back in 1975, when Abdul-Jabbar left the game in 1989 at age 42, no NBA player had ever scored more points, blocked more shots, won more Most Valuable Player Awards, played in more All-Star Games or logged more seasons. His list of personal and team accomplishments is perhaps the most awesome in league history: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1995); NBA champion (1971, '80, '82, '85, '87, '88); NBA MVP (1971, '72, '74, '76, '77, '80); 10-time All-NBA First Team; Five-time All-NBA Second Team; Five-time All-Defensive First Team; Six-time All-Defensive Second Team; Rookie of the Year; 19-time All-Star; One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996). Known in Los Angeles simply as "The Captain," he was at the center of the Lakers' 1980's Showtime dynasty. Playing 14 of his 20 NBA seasons with the Lakers, the franchise retired his jersey on March 20, 1989.
Outside of basketball, Abdul-Jabbar has penned best selling books including "Black Profiles in Courage" while also appearing in feature films such as "Airplane" and "Fletch." He currently resides in Los Angeles and has three sons, Kareem Jr., Amir and Adam and two daughters, Sultana and Habiba.
Kareem dropped by Lakers.com on Wednesday to chat live with fans. Check out what he had to say about this year's Lakers team, his favorite three accomplishments and much more.
Othello, Wa.: Kareem, I am so happy to see you back in the purple and gold you made famous. My question is. What exactly will be your involvment with the players(both young and old)? I hope that with you in the mix, will improve our chances to make it further in the post season. Congrats on your new job.
