Editing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (section)

==Professional career==

===Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975)===

====Rookie of the Year (1969–1970)====
[[File:Wes Unseld and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.jpeg|thumb|180px|Alcindor displaying the skyhook over [[Wes Unseld]] of the [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–73)|Baltimore Bullets]]. The shot was almost impossible to block.]]
The Globetrotters offered Alcindor $1 million to play for them, but he declined and was [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|picked first overall]] in the [[1969 NBA draft]] by the [[Milwaukee Bucks]], who were in only their second season of existence. The Bucks had won a coin toss with the [[1969–70 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix Suns]] for the first pick. He was also chosen first overall in the 1969 [[American Basketball Association]] draft by the [[1969–70 New York Nets season|New York Nets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=A&yr=1969 |title=New York Nets (1968–1975) 1969 Stats, History, Awards and More |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082053/http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=A&yr=1969 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 }}</ref> The Nets believed that they had the upper hand in securing Alcindor's services because he was from New York; however, when Alcindor told both the Bucks and the Nets that he would accept only one offer from each team, he rejected the Nets' bid as too low. Sam Gilbert negotiated the contract along with Los Angeles businessman Ralph Shapiro at no charge.<ref name="SAMCAGERS"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1082281/2/index.htm|url-status=dead|title=Scorecard|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=April 7, 1969|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224115501/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1082281/2/index.htm|archive-date=December 24, 2013|access-date=April 17, 2022}}</ref> After Alcindor chose the Milwaukee Bucks' offer of $1.4 million, the Nets offered a guaranteed $3.25 million. Alcindor declined the offer, saying: "A bidding war degrades the people involved. It would make me feel like a flesh peddler, and I don't want to think like that."<ref>{{cite news |title=Alcindor Rejects A.B.A.'s $3.2-Million Offer and Will Sign With Bucks |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 30, 1969 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/03/30/archives/alcindor-rejects-abas-32million-offer-and-will-sign-with-bucks-ucla.html|access-date=April 17, 2022}}</ref>

Alcindor's presence enabled the [[1969–70 Milwaukee Bucks season|Bucks]] to claim second place in the NBA's Eastern Division with a 56–26 record (improved from 27–55 the previous year). On February 21, 1970, he scored 51 points in a 140–127 win over the SuperSonics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197002210MIL.html|title=Seattle SuperSonics vs Milwaukee Bucks Box Score, February 21, 1970
|website=Basketball Reference|access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref> Alcindor was an instant star, ranking second in the league in scoring ([[List of National Basketball Association top rookie scoring averages|28.8 ppg]]) and third in rebounding (14.5 rpg), for which he was awarded the title of [[NBA Rookie of the Year]].<ref name="greatath"/> In the series-clinching game against the [[1969–70 Philadelphia 76ers season|Philadelphia 76ers]], he recorded 46 points and 25 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/197004030MIL.html|title=Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks Box Score, April 3, 1970|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref> He was the second rookie to score at least 40 points and 25 rebounds in a playoff game, the first being [[Wilt Chamberlain]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/top-10-nba-players-with-the-most-ppg-during-a-rookie-season-wilt-chamberlain-was-a-scoring-god-since-his-first-season/ar-AAR84SQ |title=Top 10 NBA Players With The Most PPG During A Rookie Season: Wilt Chamberlain Was A Scoring God Since His First Season |website=MSN Sports |date=November 25, 2021 |access-date=December 9, 2021 }}</ref> He also set an NBA rookie record with 10 or more games of 20+ points scored during the playoffs, tied by [[Jayson Tatum]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jayson Tatum's rookie season ranks alongside best in Celtics' history|date=June 18, 2018|work=Sporting News|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/nba-jayson-tatums-rookie-season-best-in-celtics-history-bill-russell-larry-bird/1ozxh6qf4joje1g1b9fleinaze|access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref>

====First championship, MVP, and Finals MVP (1970–1971)====
The next season, the Bucks acquired All-Star guard [[Oscar Robertson]]. Milwaukee went on to record the [[List of NBA teams by single season win percentage|best record in the league]] with 66 victories in the [[1970–71 NBA season|1970–71 season]],<ref name="greatath" /> including a then-record [[List of National Basketball Association longest winning streaks|20 straight wins]].<ref>{{cite news|title=... And Bucks Win Sixth|date=December 15, 1971|newspaper=The Ithaca Journal|page=26|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79044675/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Alcindor was awarded his first of six [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award]]s, along with his first scoring title (31.7 ppg).<ref name="greatath" /> He also led the league in total points, with 2,596.<ref name="EB" /> The Bucks won the NBA title, sweeping the [[Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973)|Baltimore Bullets]] 4–0 in the [[1971 NBA Finals]]. Alcindor posted 27 points, 12 rebounds and seven [[assist (basketball)|assists]] in Game 4,<ref>{{cite news|title=Oscar Had No Doubt|date=May 1, 2021|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|at=Section 3, page 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81349358/|access-date=July 13, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and he was named the [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]] after averaging 27 points per game on 60.5% shooting in the series.<ref>{{cite news|first=Marc J.|last=Spears|title=Giannis dominating like Kareem revives Bucks' title hopes|date=July 12, 2021|work=[[Andscape]]|url=https://andscape.com/features/giannis-dominating-like-kareem-revives-bucks-title-hopes/|access-date=July 13, 2021}}</ref>

====MVP recognition and trade request (1971–1975)====
During the offseason, Alcindor and Robertson joined Bucks head coach [[Larry Costello]] on a three-week basketball tour of Africa on behalf of the [[State Department]]. In a press conference at the State Department on June 3, 1971, he stated that going forward he wanted to be called by his Muslim name, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, its translation roughly "noble one, servant of the Almighty [i.e., servant of [[God in Islam|God]]]".<ref>{{cite news|first=Terence|last=Smith|title=Biggest Name in N.B.A.: Jabbar|date=June 4, 1971|newspaper=The New York Times|page=27|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/06/04/archives/biggest-name-in-nba-jabbar.html|access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Seppy|title=Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Also Known As Lew Alcindor) To Tour Africa|date=June 4, 1971|newspaper=Sheboygan Press|agency=Associated Press|page=21|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79052561/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

[[File:Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1974.jpeg|thumb|left|175px|Abdul-Jabbar lines up a free throw. He started wearing goggles in order to avoid damage to his corneas.]]
Abdul-Jabbar remained a dominant force for the Bucks. The following year, he repeated as scoring champion ([[List of National Basketball Association top individual scoring season averages|34.8 ppg]] and 2,822 total points)<ref name=EB/> and became the first player to be named the NBA Most Valuable Player twice in his first three years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Abdul-Jabbar is Most Valuable|date=March 22, 1971|newspaper=Kenosha News|page=25|agency=UPI|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79055569/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> In 1974, Abdul-Jabbar led the Bucks to their fourth consecutive [[Midwest Division (NBA)|Midwest Division]] title,<ref name=nea_10242974>{{cite news|title=Basketball Pro Chart|date=October 24, 1974|newspaper=The Lompoc Record|page=7|agency=Newspaper Enterprise Association|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79057859/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and he won his third MVP Award in four years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jabbar—Most Valuable Player|date=March 21, 1974|newspaper=The Fresno Bee|page=D1|agency=AP|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79056379/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was among the top five NBA players in scoring (27.0 ppg, third), rebounding (14.5 rpg, fourth), [[blocked shot]]s (283, second), and [[field goal percentage]] (.539, second).<ref name=nea_10242974/> Milwaukee advanced to the [[1974 NBA Finals|1974 finals]], losing to the [[Boston Celtics]] in seven games.<ref>{{cite news|first=Sopan|last=Deb|title=The Bucks Have Big-Time Supporters: Kareem and Oscar Robertson|date=July 11, 2021|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/11/sports/basketball/nba-bucks-abdul-jabbar-robertson.html|access-date=April 18, 2022}}</ref>

Robertson, who became a free agent in the offseason, retired in September 1974 after he was unable to agree on a contract with the Bucks.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Pat|last=Putnam|title=Return of Ol Goggle-Eyes|date=December 9, 1974|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1974/12/09/return-of-old-goggleeyes|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=Robertson Ends Career|date=September 4, 1974|newspaper=The New York Times|page=33|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/04/archives/robertson-ends-career-nba-great-accepts-cbstv-pact-robertson.html|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref> On October 3, Abdul-Jabbar privately requested a trade to the [[New York Knicks]], with his second choice being the [[Washington Bullets]] (now the Wizards) and his third, the [[Los Angeles Lakers]].<ref name=bonk_12251987/> He had never spoken negatively of the city of [[Milwaukee]] or its fans, but he said that being in the Midwest did not fit his cultural needs.<ref name=bonk_12251987/><ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Goldaper |date=March 18, 1975 |work=[[The New York Times]] |title=Bucks See No Need Now to Make Deal for Unhappy Abdul-Jabbar |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/03/18/archives/bucks-see-no-need-now-to-make-deal-for-unhappy-abduljabbar-about.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| magazine=Sports Illustrated| title=Say It Ain't So Milwaukee Bucks| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2001/05/30/sayitaintso_bucks/| date=May 30, 2001| access-date=June 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104020207/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2001/05/30/sayitaintso_bucks/|archive-date=November 4, 2012}}</ref> Two days later in a pre-season game before the [[1974–75 NBA season|1974–75 season]] against the Celtics in [[Buffalo, New York]], Abdul-Jabbar caught a fingernail in his left eye from [[Don Nelson]] and suffered a [[corneal abrasion]]; this angered him enough to punch the [[backboard (basketball)|backboard]] stanchion, breaking two bones in his right hand.<ref name=bonk_12251987>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Bonk|title=June 16, 1975: A Banner Day For Lakers : Kareem Takes His Post : 4 Players Bucks Got in Trade Gone, but He's Still on Job|date=December 25, 1987|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-25-sp-21142-story.html|access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Abdul-Jabbar Fractures Hand|date=October 6, 1974|newspaper=The New York Times|at=Section 5, page 1|agency=AP|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/06/archives/abduljabbar-fractures-hand.html|access-date=June 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name=wisc_11251974/> He missed the first 16 games of the season, during which the Bucks were 3–13, and returned in late November wearing protective goggles.<ref name=wisc_11251974>{{cite news|title=Kareem Looks Different, Acts The Same|date=November 25, 1974|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|at=Section 2, page 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79059283/|access-date=June 6, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On March 13, 1975, sportscaster [[Marv Albert]] reported that Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade to either New York or Los Angeles, preferably to the Knicks.<ref name=bonk_12251987/><ref>{{cite news|title=Jabbar on the move?|date=March 14, 1975|newspaper=The Journal-News|page=14B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79103850/|access-date=June 7, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> The following day after a loss in Milwaukee to the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar confirmed to reporters his desire to play in another city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jabbar Finally Confirms It: He Wants To Be Traded|date=March 15, 1975|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 1|agency=UPI|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79102904/|access-date=June 7, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He averaged 30.0 points during the season, but Milwaukee finished in last place in the division at 38–44.<ref name=cady_06171975>{{cite news|first=Steve|last=Cady|title=Abdul-Jabbar Traded by Bucks for Four Lakers|date=June 17, 1975|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/17/archives/abduljabbar-traded-by-bucks-for-four-lakers-jabbar-traded-to-lakers.html|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)===

====Fourth and fifth MVP awards (1975–1977)====
[[File:Press conference announcing Lakers' signing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.jpg|thumb|Bill Sharman and Jack Kent Cooke at a press conference announcing the signing of Abdul-Jabbar]]
In 1975, the Lakers acquired Abdul-Jabbar and reserve center [[Walt Wesley]] from the Bucks for center [[Elmore Smith]], guard [[Brian Winters]], blue-chip rookies [[David Meyers (basketball)|Dave Meyers]] and [[Junior Bridgeman]], and cash.<ref name=bonk_12251987/><ref name=cady_06171975/> In the [[1975–76 NBA season|1975–76 season]], his first with the Lakers, he had a dominating season, averaging 27.7 points per game and leading the league in rebounding (16.9), blocked shots (4.12), and total minutes played (3,379).<ref>{{cite news|title=Third NBA Scoring Title For McAdoo|date=April 13, 1976|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|page=C4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79106416/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kareem keeps getting better|date=October 7, 1976|newspaper=The Bakersfield Californian|page=27|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79106706/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref> His 1,111 defensive rebounds remains the NBA single-season record (defensive rebounds were not recorded prior to the [[1973–74 NBA season|1973–74 season]]).<ref>{{cite news|first=Hal|last=Bock|title=Special K : Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Survived on Talent and a Quiet Dignity|date=May 14, 1995|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-14-sp-477-story.html|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref> He earned his fourth MVP award, becoming the first winner in Lakers' franchise history,<ref>{{cite news|title=The Players' Player: Jabbar|date=April 2, 1976|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Section III, p. 2|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79104444/|access-date=June 7, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> but missed the post-season for the second straight year as the Lakers finished 40–42.<ref>{{cite news|first=Chuck|last=Abadie|title=Jabbar is most valuable player?|date=April 13, 1976|newspaper=Hattiesburg American|page=14|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79106543/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref>

After acquiring a cast of no-name free agents, the Lakers were projected to finished near the bottom of the [[Pacific Division (NBA)|Pacific Division]] in [[1976–77 NBA season|1976–77]]. Abdul-Jabbar helped lead the team to the best record (53–29) in the NBA, and he won his fifth MVP award, tying [[Bill Russell]]'s record. Abdul-Jabbar led the league in field goal percentage (.579), was third in scoring (26.2), and was second in rebounds (13.3) and blocked shots (3.18).<ref>{{cite news|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=Abdul-Jabbar Is Chosen M.V. P. for a Fifth Time|date=May 24, 1977|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/24/archives/abduljabbar-is-chosen-mvp-for-a-fifth-time.html|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Lakers beat the [[1976–77 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]] in the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] semifinals, setting up a confrontation with the [[1976–77 Portland Trail Blazers season|Portland Trail Blazers]]. The result was a memorable matchup, pitting Abdul-Jabbar against a young, injury-free [[Bill Walton]]. Although Abdul-Jabbar dominated the series statistically, Walton and the Trail Blazers (who were experiencing their first-ever run in the playoffs) swept the Lakers, behind Walton's skillful passing and timely plays.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kelly|last=Dwyer|title=Dunk History: A healthy Bill Walton meets Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the summit|date=September 4, 2014|work=Ball Dont Lie|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/dunk-history--a-healthy-bill-walton-meets-kareem-abdul-jabbar-at-the-summit-154848243.html|access-date=June 7, 2021|via=Yahoo!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607122649/https://sports.yahoo.com/dunk-history--a-healthy-bill-walton-meets-kareem-abdul-jabbar-at-the-summit-154848243.html|archive-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Curry|last=Kirkpatrick|title=L.A. Couldn't Move the Mountain|date=May 23, 1977|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1977/05/23/la-couldnt-move-the-mountain|access-date=June 7, 2021}}</ref>

====Playoff disappointments (1977–1979)====
Two minutes into the opening game of the [[1977–78 NBA season|1977–78 season]], Abdul-Jabbar broke his right hand punching Milwaukee's [[Kent Benson]] in retaliation to the rookie's elbow to his stomach. Benson suffered a black right eye and required two stitches.<ref name=green_10191977>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Green|title=Jabbar scores KO Over Benson|date=October 19, 1977|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Sec. III, pp. 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79416789/ 10]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79416779/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref name=montgomery_10211977>{{cite news|first=Paul L.|last=Montgomery|title=Abdul-Jabbar Fined $5,000 for One Punch|date=October 21, 1977|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/10/21/archives/abduljabbar-fined-5000-for-one-punch-punch-brings-abduljabbar-5000.html|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name=wolfley_02202011>{{cite news|first=Pete|last=Wolfley|title=Benson's NBA start did not lack punch|date=February 20, 2011|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/116563588.html|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref> According to Benson, Abdul-Jabbar initiated the elbowing, but there were no witnesses and it was not captured on replays.<ref name=green_10191977/><ref name=wolfley_02202011/> Abdul-Jabbar, who broke the same bone in 1975 after he punched the backboard support,<ref name=montgomery_10211977/> was out for almost two months and missed 20 games.<ref name=wolfley_02202011/><ref name=simmons2009_p133>{{cite book|last=Simmons|first=Bill|title=The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy|publisher=Ballantine and ESPN Books|year=2009|location=New York City|page=[https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/133 133]|isbn=978-0-345-51176-8|url=https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/133|url-access=registration|ref=simmons2009}}</ref> He was fined a then-league record $5,000 but was not suspended.<ref name=montgomery_10211977/><ref name=simmons2009_p133/> Benson missed one game but was not punished by the league.<ref name=wolfley_02202011/><ref>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Bonk|title=Abdul-Jabbar Tells His Side of the Fight—Just to League Office|date=May 16, 1985|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-05-16-sp-17530-story.html|access-date=June 12, 2021}}</ref> The Lakers were 8–13 when Abdul-Jabbar returned.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Green|title=An Added Punch*|date=December 4, 1977|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79418140/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was not named to the [[1978 NBA All-Star Game]], the only time in his 20-year career he was not selected to an All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jabbar replaces Magic for 19th All-Star game|date=February 11, 1989|newspaper=Journal Gazette|location=Mattoon, Illinois|page=B-3|agency=AP|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417562/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Chicago's [[Artis Gilmore]] and Detroit's [[Bob Lanier]] were chosen as reserves for the West, with Walton starting
at center.<ref>{{cite news|title=After Another Hearing, Kuhn Still Undecided on Blue Deal|date=January 25, 1978|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417357/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Amid criticism from the media over his performance, Abdul-Jabbar had 39 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in a win over the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] the day the All-Star rosters were announced.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Green|title=Jabbar Silences Critics, 76ers—and Jabbar|date=January 25, 1978|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, pp. 1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417374/ 6]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417368/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He added 37 points and 30 rebounds in a victory over the [[New Jersey Nets]] (now Brooklyn) in the final game before the [[NBA All-Star break|All-Star break]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Green|title=Lakers Pull One Out of the Fire|date=February 4, 1978|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 1–[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417428/ 5]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79417422/|access-date=June 12, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

Abdul-Jabbar's play remained strong during the next two seasons, being named to the All-NBA Second Team twice, the All-Defense First Team once, and the All-Defense Second Team once.<ref name=br>{{cite basketball-reference|name=Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|id=a/abdulka01|access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref> The Lakers, however, continued to be stymied in the playoffs, being eliminated by the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in both [[1977–78 NBA season|1978]] (first round) and [[1978–79 NBA season|1979]] (semifinals).<ref>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Green|title=SuperSonics Finish Off The Lakers, 106–101|date=April 26, 1979|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79477881/|access-date=June 13, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

====Last MVP award and championship success (1979–1985)====
[[File:Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar Lipofsky (HQ).jpg|thumb|Abdul-Jabbar against the [[Boston Celtics]] in the 1980s]]
The Lakers selected [[Magic Johnson]] with the first overall pick of [[1979 NBA draft]]. They had acquired the pick from the [[New Orleans Jazz (NBA team)|New Orleans Jazz]] (later Utah) in 1976, when league rules required that they compensate Los Angeles for their signing of free agent [[Gail Goodrich]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Jeff|last=Pearlman|title=The 'Magic' coin flip (book excerpt)|date=May 14, 2014|website=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/39172/the-magic-coin-flip-book-excerpt|access-date=June 13, 2021}}</ref> The addition of Johnson paved the way for the Lakers' [[Showtime (basketball)|Showtime]] dynasty of the 1980s, appearing in the finals eight times and winning five NBA championships.<ref name=knocblach_10112011>{{cite news|first=Austin|last=Knoblauch|title=Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|date=October 11, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://projects.latimes.com/lakers/player/kareem-abdul-jabbar/|access-date=June 13, 2021}}</ref> While less dominant than in his younger years, Abdul-Jabbar reinforced his status as one of the greatest basketball players ever,<ref name=knocblach_10112011/> adding an additional four All-NBA First Team selections and two All-Defense First Team honors.<ref name=br/> He won his record sixth MVP award in his first season with Johnson in [[1979–80 Los Angeles Lakers season|1979–80]].<ref name=knocblach_10112011/><ref name=mahoney_03022022>{{cite news|first=Rob|last=Mahoney|title=The Ineffable Cool—and Playing Style—That Made the Showtime Lakers 'Showtime'|date=March 2, 2022|work=The Ringer|url=https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/3/2/22958166/showtime-lakers-magic-johnson-kareem-abdul-jabbar-winning-time|access-date=April 17, 2022}}</ref> In the [[1980 NBA Finals|1980 finals]], Abdul-Jabbar averaged 33.4 points in five games, spraining his ankle in Game 5, but returning to finish the contest with 40 points and leading the team to a win. He missed Game 6, when the Lakers clinched the title, and Johnson was named the Finals MVP after recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists in the finale.<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Hollinger|title=Greatest Finals performances: 21-30|date=June 16, 2011|website=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2011/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FinalsPerformances-21-30|access-date=May 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>[[#simmons2009|Simmons 2009]], [https://archive.org/details/bookofbasketball00simm/page/598/mode/1up p. 598].</ref><ref name=johnson_06021985>{{cite news|first=Roy S.|last=Johnson|title=For Abdul-Jabbar, It's a Matter of Pride|date=June 2, 1985|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/02/sports/for-abdul-jabbar-it-s-a-matter-of-pride.html|access-date=May 20, 2022}}</ref>

Abdul-Jabbar continued to average 20 or more points per game in the following six seasons.<ref name=knocblach_10112011/> The Lakers won another championship in [[1981–82 Los Angeles Lakers|1981–82]], but he suffered [[migraine]]s in [[1982 NBA Finals|the finals]], averaging just 18 points per game against Philadelphia.<ref name=johnson_06021985/><ref name=penner_03082013>{{cite news|last=Penner |first=Mark |title=The Sixers trade for Moses Malone |date=March 8, 2013 |work=Philadelphia Daily News |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/20130308_Holy_Moses_.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624200820/https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/sixers/20130308_Holy_Moses_.html |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In 14 playoff games, he finished with a 20.4 point average, the lowest of his career at the time.<ref name=johnson_06021985/> The Lakers advanced to the [[1983 NBA Finals]] in a rematch against the 76ers, who had acquired [[Moses Malone]] to shore up their center position after Abdul-Jabbar had outplayed their big-man duo of [[Darryl Dawkins]] and [[Caldwell Jones]] in the previous finals.<ref name=penner_03082013/> The 76ers swept the Lakers 4–0, and Malone was named the Finals MVP after outrebounding Abdul-Jabbar 72–30 in the series.<ref name=aschburner_09132015>{{cite news|last=Aschburner |first=Steve |title=Moses Malone, dead at 60, was an NBA elite |date=September 13, 2015 |publisher=National Basketball Association |url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/steve_aschburner/09/13/moses-malone-feature-obit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419050847/https://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/steve_aschburner/09/13/moses-malone-feature-obit/ |archive-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref> Malone had 27 offensive rebounds, which nearly equaled Abdul-Jabbar's total rebounds (30).<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Hollinger|title=Greatest Finals performances: 11-20|date=June 16, 2011|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2011/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FinalsPerformances-11-20|access-date=June 12, 2022}}</ref> 

Before the [[1983–84 Los Angeles Lakers season|1983–84 season]], Abdul-Jabbar signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Lakers, with none of the amount deferred.<ref>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Bonk|title=Nixon Traded to San Diego; Kareem Signs|date=October 11, 1983|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/162765231/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 11, 2025}}</ref> He fell ill with [[viral hepatitis]] during training camp, which rendered him weak for a month after returning. He scored 10 points at Golden State on December 22, 1983, dropping his season average to 17.7, almost 10 points below his career average. His scoring picked up after [[Christmas]].<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Bruce|last=Newman|title=A SKY HOOK THAT WAS FOR THE BOOK|date=April 16, 1984|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1984/04/16/a-sky-hook-that-was-for-the-book|access-date=January 20, 2025}}</ref> On the [[Traveling team|road]] against Utah on April 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar broke Chamberlain's record for [[most career points in the NBA]]. He received a pass from Johnson and scored from {{convert|15|ft}} on his patent skyhook over the {{convert|7|ft|4|in|adj=on}} shot-blocking specialist [[Mark Eaton]].<ref name=schwartz>{{cite news|first=Larry|last=Schwartz|title=Kareem just kept on winning|website=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/abdul-jabbar_kareem.html|access-date=June 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Marty|last=Strasen|title=The Best Book of Basketball Facts & Stats|publisher=Firefly Books|year=2004|page=185|url=https://archive.org/details/bestbookofbasket00mart/page/185/mode/1up|isbn=155297782X|url-access=registration|via=Internet Archive|access-date=April 15, 2022}}</ref><ref name=ganguli_02022023/> The game was played at the [[Thomas & Mack Center]], one of 11 [[Home (sports)|home]] games for the Jazz in the [[Las Vegas Valley]] that season. The contest drew 18,389 fans, the Jazz's largest home crowd since moving from [[New Orleans]] before the 1979–80 season.<ref name=ganguli_02022023>{{cite web|first1=Tania|last1=Ganguli|first2=Scott|last2=Cacciola|title=Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Was the 'Best Weapon in Basketball'|date=February 2, 2023|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/sports/basketball/kareem-abdul-jabbar-record.html/|access-date=February 5, 2023}}</ref> For the first time since the [[1980–81 Los Angeles Lakers season|1980–81 season]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Roy S.|last=Johnson|title=ABDUL-JABBAR MAKES RETIREMENT POINTS|date=April 7, 1984|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/07/sports/abdul-jabbar-makes-retirement-points.html|access-date=January 20, 2025}}</ref> Abdul-Jabbar led the Lakers in both scoring (21.5) and rebounding (7.3) during the season.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Fink|title=Abdul-Jabbar says he'll retire|date=October 16, 1984|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page=31|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette/79671133/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> Playing consistently better than he had over the past few years,<ref name=littwin_10251984/> he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the ninth time in his career, and he was voted to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team, the final all-defensive selection of his career.<ref name=br/><ref name=littwin_10251984/> The team advanced to the [[1984 NBA Finals]] but lost to Boston.<ref name=littwin_10251984/>
[[File:Kareem Magic Lipofsky (hq).jpg|left|thumb|Abdul-Jabbar receiving a pass from [[Magic Johnson]] during the [[1985 NBA Finals]]]]
The [[1984–85 Los Angeles Lakers season|1984–85 season]] was expected to be Abdul-Jabbar's final season, as he had maintained since breaking Chamberlain's record that he would be retiring.<ref name=littwin_10251984>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Littwin|title=Lakers Are Hoping Abdul-Jabbar Has a Change of Heart|date=October 25, 1984|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p, 3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/79670792/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref><ref name=nightengale_12021984>{{cite news|first=Bob|last=Nightengale|title=Abdul-Jabbar vague on retirement|date=December 2, 1984|newspaper=The Kansas City Star|at=Sports, p. 4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star/79675524/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> Teams began honoring him in his final appearance in their home arena,<ref name=nightengale_12021984/><ref>{{cite news|first=Phil|last=Jasner|title=Kareem continues for Lucky Lakers|date=December 23, 1984|newspaper=The Sunday Dispatch|page=19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dispatch/79673799/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> but the Lakers instructed them not to use the word ''retirement'' in their ceremony.<ref name=littwin_10251984/><ref name=nightengale_12021984/> He had left open the possibility of changing his mind, but did not want to accept retirement gifts and play again, as [[Dave Cowens]] had done.<ref name=nightengale_12021984/><ref>{{cite news|first=William R.|last=Barnard|title=Abdul-Jabbar still unsure about retirement|date=November 23, 1984|newspaper=The Messenger|agency=AP|at=Basketball, p. 9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-messenger/79671396/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> On December 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract extension with the Lakers, with none of the money deferred.<ref>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Bonk|title=Abdul-Jabbar Will Play Another Year—for $2 Million|date=December 6, 1984|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/79671660/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/162851142/ 17[|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/79671660/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> He won his second Finals MVP in [[1985 NBA Finals|1985]],<ref name=knocblach_10112011/> when he became the oldest to win the award at 38 years and 54 days old.<ref name=dodson_06092017>{{cite news|first=Aaron|last=Dodson|title=On this day in NBA Finals history: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar becomes oldest Finals MVP|date=June 9, 2017|work=[[Andscape]]|url=https://andscape.com/features/nba-finals-history-kareem-abdul-jabbar-oldest-finals-mvp/|access-date=February 18, 2022}}</ref> He averaged 25.7 points, 9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 blocks in the series against the Celtics.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jeff|last=Zillgitt|title=Day 52 without sports 🏀: Don't forget Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in greatest NBA player of all-time debates|date=May 2, 2020|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/05/02/nba-goat-kareem-abdul-jabbar-michael-jordan-lebron-james/3067719001/|access-date=April 18, 2022}}</ref> He was initially outplayed in Game 1, scoring 12 points with three rebounds against 30-year-old Boston center [[Robert Parish]], who had 18 points and eight rebounds in a 148–114 win over the Lakers, dubbed the "Memorial Day Massacre".<ref name=dodson_06092017/> At the team's film session the following day, Abdul-Jabbar—who normally sat near the back—was seated in the front row, and accepted all of head coach [[Pat Riley]]'s criticism. Before Game 2, Abdul-Jabbar asked if his father could ride on the team bus to the game. Typically a hard-liner on rules, Riley agreed to make an exception. Abdul-Jabbar bounced back with 30 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks in a 109–102 victory. In the Lakers’ four wins, he averaged 30.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.0 blocks.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Jack|last=McCallum|title=When L.A. Buried the Garden Ghost|date=January 4, 1985|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://www.si.com/longform/2015/1985/nba-finals/index.html|access-date=May 9, 2022}}</ref> The title ended the Celtics' streak of eight consecutive championships against the Lakers.<ref name=knocblach_10112011/>

====Final playing years and sixth ring (1985–1989)====
Abdul-Jabbar played in his 17th season in [[1985–86 Los Angeles Lakers season|1985–86]], breaking the previous [[List of National Basketball Association seasons played leaders|NBA record for seasons played]] of 16, held by [[Dolph Schayes]], [[John Havlicek]], [[Paul Silas]], and [[Elvin Hayes]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bonk |first=Thomas |title=Lakers Move Closer to Signing Kareem for a Year or 2 More |date=September 28, 1985 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-28-sp-17456-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307053820/https://articles.latimes.com/1985-09-28/sports/sp-17456_1_lakers-signed-abdul-jabbar |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson |first=Roy S. |title=THE LONG-RUN SUCCESS OF KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR |date=May 22, 1983 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/22/sports/the-long-run-success-of-kareem-abdul-jabbar.html?pagewanted=all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307223156/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/05/22/sports/the-long-run-success-of-kareem-abdul-jabbar.html?pagewanted=all |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Goldaper |first=Sam |title=HAYES ENJOYING FAREWELL SEASON |date=February 12, 1984 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/12/sports/hayes-enjoying-farewell-season.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209104859/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/12/sports/hayes-enjoying-farewell-season.html |archive-date=December 9, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 12, 1985, he signed to a one-year extension of his contract at the same $2 million salary, while maintaining the option to retire after the 1985–86 season.<ref>{{cite news|first=Thomas|last=Bonk|title=Abdul-Jabbar Signs for Another Year, Delays Decision on Whether to Play It|date=November 13, 1985|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III, p. 7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/162852484/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 12, 2025}}</ref> Prior to the [[1986–87 Los Angeles Lakers season|1986–87 season]], he gained {{convert|13|lb}}, reaching close to {{convert|270|lb}}, to compete against the growing number of 7-footers (2.1 m) in the league.<ref name="Edes 1986">{{cite news|last=Edes|first=Gordon|date=November 25, 1986|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-25-sp-13125-story.html|title=The NBA : Abdul-Jabbar Adds Weight and Strength to Battle the Other 7-Footers|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 11, 2021}}</ref> The Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals in each of his final three seasons, starting with a championship over Boston in [[1987 NBA Finals|1987]].<ref name=nba_encyc_bio/>  Afterwards, he signed a two-year contract with the Lakers.<ref>{{cite news|first=Gordon|last=Edes|title=Abdul=Jabbar Signs, Will Play Two More Years|date=June 17, 1987|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/162852754/|at=Part III, p. 2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>

Riley guaranteed that the Lakers would be the first NBA team to win consecutive titles since the [[1968–69 Boston Celtics season|1968–69 Celtics]], and they defeated the [[Detroit Pistons]] for the championship in [[1988 NBA Finals|1988]].<ref name=nba_encyc_bio/><ref>{{cite news|title=ABDUL-JABBAR READY FOR LAST HURRAH|date=August 8, 2021|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/11/06/abdul-jabbar-ready-for-last-hurrah/|via=Chicago Tribune|access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>  Abdul-Jabbar made only 3 of 14 shots in Game 6 of the finals, but he converted two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to extend the series to seven games.<ref name=baker_06221988/> After winning the season finale, in which he had only four points and three rebounds, the 41-year-old center announced in the locker room that he would return for one more season before retiring.<ref name=baker_06221988>{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Baker|title=Abdul-Jabbar Makes a Promise—He'll Return|date=June 22, 1988|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-22-sp-4563-story.html|access-date=June 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name=newsjournal_06231988>{{cite news|title=Abdul-Jabbar will return for one final season with Lakers|date=June 23, 1988|newspaper=News Journal|location=Mansfield, Ohio|pages=1-B, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79546832/ 5-B]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79546742/|access-date=June 15, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> His points, rebounds, and minutes had dropped in his 19th season,<ref name=newsjournal_06231988/><ref>{{cite news|title=The Lakers:Player by Player: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar|date=June 23, 1988|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|at=Part III-A, p. 9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79545820/abdul-jabbar-198788-overview/|access-date=June 15, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Alan|last=Goldstein|title=Guarantees no longer necessary|date=June 23, 1988|newspaper=Shreveport Journal|page=3C|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79547121/|access-date=June 15, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> and there were reports prior to the game that he was retiring after the contest.<ref name=baker_06221988/><ref>{{cite news|first=Norm|last=Frauenheim|title=Riley's prophecy now lore|date=June 22, 1988|newspaper=The Arizona Republic|pages=F1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79548114/ F3]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79548082/|access-date=June 15, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On his "retirement tour" he received standing ovations at games, both home and away, and gifts ranging from a yacht that said "Captain Skyhook" to framed jerseys from his career to a Persian rug.<ref name=mcmanis_04231989>{{cite news|first=Sam|last=McManis|title=A Last Hurrah: For Abdul-Jabbar, a Season of Farewells Will Be Capped Today|date=April 23, 1989|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-23-sp-1849-story.html|access-date=June 14, 2021}}</ref> At the [[The Forum (Inglewood, California)|Forum]] against Seattle in his final regular season game,<ref name=mcmanis_04231989/> every Laker came onto the court wearing Abdul-Jabbar's trademark goggles.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Earvin|last1=Johnson|first2=William|last2=Novak|title=My Life|page=124|url=https://archive.org/details/mylifejohn00john/page/124/mode/1up|publisher=Random House|year=1992|isbn=9780679415695|access-date=June 15, 2021|via=[[Internet Archive]]|url-access=registration}}</ref> The Lakers lost to the Pistons in a four-game sweep in the [[1989 NBA Finals|1989 finals]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Littwin|title=Pistons Win Title With Huge Asterisk Attached|date=June 18, 1989|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-18-sp-3873-story.html|access-date=June 14, 2021}}</ref>

At the time of his retirement, Abdul-Jabbar held the record for [[most career games played in the NBA]].<ref>{{cite news|title=10 memories top his all-time list of great moments|date=April 30, 1989|newspaper=Des Moines Sunday Register|page=13D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79436915/10-memories-top-his-all-time-list-of-gre/|access-date=June 14, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> He was also the all-time record holder for most minutes played (57,446), most field goals made (15,837), most points (38,387), and most 1,000-point seasons (19).<ref name=schwartz/>