Background Information

Known as Lewis Alcindor Jr. ,born in New York City. He was a child of an overprotective mother and strict father, which in time Lewis grew to hate. He was the tallest child among his classmates standing 6'8 as a thirteen year old. At that age there were rumors that NBA scouts was watching him even at that young of an age.

Alcindor was a dominant basketball player stepping right into the high school ranks. He led his high school team to an overall 95-6 record. During his time to choose a college as a senior he was a regarded as a prep All-American and could go anywhere, but choose John Wooden's UCLA Bruins.
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During his college career he led the Bruins to three National championships from 1967-1969 and an overall 88-2 record in those three years that he played. He was also named the tournament's most valuable player, and overall National player of the year three years in a row as well. Because of his efforts he was drafted to play basketball professionally.

In 1969 Alcindor was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks. Alcindor was an instant smash, placing second in the league in scoring (28.8 ppg) and third in rebounding (14.5 rpg). And he easily won the NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Before the 1971-72 season Alcindor changed from Catholicism to Muslim and therefore changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Jabbar and the Bucks would return to the finals one more time but was swept by the Boston Celtics. And after Robertson retired their record fell to 38-44. And after that season Jabbar wanted out.

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A link to the Los Angeles Lakers official website

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