Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered by many fans and sportswriters to be the greatest basketball player of all time. The 7-foot-2 Hall of Fame center, famous for his indefensible skyhook, dominated the NBA for 20 years, first with the Milwaukee Bucks then with the Los Angeles Lakers. Before that he was the star of the UCLA Bruins teams that won three consecutive NCAA championships. Kareem was the NBA's MVP six times, a 19-time all-star and set the NBA all-time records in nine categories. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record that may never be broken.
Since retiring as a player in 1989, Kareem has balanced his love of basketball with his love of
history. In 2002 he led a USBL team, the Oklahoma Storm, to a championship. Since 2005, he has
been the special assistant coach for the Lakers, working with Andrew Bynum.
In 2008 he was chosen The Greatest Player in College Basketball History.
Kareem also remains intellectually active, authoring six bestselling history books intended to popularize the contributions of African-Americans to American culture and history. His books include "Black Profiles in Courage: A Legacy of African-American Achievement"; "Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes"; "A Season on the Reservation," which chronicles his time teaching basketball and history on an Apache Indian reservation in White River, Ariz.; and the current New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller, "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance."
His audio adaptation, "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Audio & Musical Journey through the Harlem Renaissance," is a four-volume compilation read by Bob Costas, Avery Brooks, Jesse L. Martin, and Stanley Crouch, and features private and fascinating conversations with dozens of icons, including Coach John Wooden, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, Samuel L. Jackson, Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones and Billy Crystal. He has also been written to L.A. Times, under the Sports section.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been appearing on various radio stations and TV shows, as well as the most relevant websites talking about his life and his new audio book, On the Shoulders of Giants.
All images are property of www.iconomy.com unless otherwise stated. All info copyrighted and owned by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not replicated without permission.
I'd like to thank all the well-wishers who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. It is different from those days when they went by with impunity. But in any event it's nice to know you guys care. 
Kareem, go ahead and make it you day. Happy Birthday....
Posted by: Clint Eastwood | April 16, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Happy Birthday from one old Bruin (class of '72 and a huge UCLA basketball fan) to a slightly older one! Many, many more!
Posted by: Steve Schwartz | April 16, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Happy Birthday Kareem
Will you ever coach in the NBA? You can't be any worse than Phil Jackson.........and he has 9 titles!
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 16, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Happy Birthday Kareem. I hope I'm in as good shape as you are when I turn 61. Dragon Inn, I don't think I've seen that one but you never know what life will bring you. You inspire my girls with all your successes, Thanks for being a hero (the world needs heroes that motivate all of us to achieve higher values). Kick back, relax and enjoy!!!
Posted by: Bill S. | April 16, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Happy Birthday Kareem!
Posted by: Rocky | April 16, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Happy Birthday to the best ! And to the all-time "King of the Sky Hook" Long live Kareem, my god be with you and your family and thank you for all you've done for the sport and humanity, Thank you and Happy Birthday !!!
"33"
Posted by: Daniel Gonzalez Jr. | April 16, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Happy Birthday Kareem!!
Best of luck for your documentary.
Posted by: Bilgehan | April 16, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Happy Birthday, Kareem and ThANK YOU, thank you, thank you for writing "On the Shoulders of Giants" which I just finished. I learned sooo much and loved it sooo that I hated for it to end. I wanted it to go on and on. I'll be looking for the film, I think you said was being worked on presently.
As a UCLA basketball season ticket holder, never missing a home game at Pauley the past 20 years, please know the affection I/we have for you and John Wooden as well. When you are in Pauley...like for the dedication of the Nell and John Wooden Court and other recent special events, the love you have for John Wooden and vice versa...is absolutely palpable throughout Pauley and so emotional for all of us who feel the same. Thank you for allowing us to share in that love...for both of you.
I'm reading "Kareem" now and enjoying it immensely. I'm so glad you have found writing and history to be so fulfilling 'cause its a wonderful gift to your adoring , respectful fans. Keep on!
Again Happy Birthday....and a great big THANK YOU!
Most Fondly,
Beverly Kamber
Posted by: Beverly Kamber | April 16, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Many years ago, when I was young, and you were younger, I was a yell leader at UCLA. In my senior year, I was on the floor when your freshman team play the varsity. I knew you were destined for stardom.
What I didn't know was that your real stardom would come from the way you have lived your life both on and off the floor.
I think I am most proud of your Bruin heritage when your intelligence, commitment and sincerity are displayed to the world.
You are a constant inspiration -- a role model for the student athlete -- a beacon that there is more to going to school than playing ball.
I love the UCLA commercial -- it says a lot about you, a lot about us and a lot about UCLA.
Happy Birthday.
sjh
Posted by: Steve Herzberg | April 16, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Many years ago, when I was young, and you were younger, I was a yell leader at UCLA. In my senior year, I was on the floor when your freshman team play the varsity. I knew you were destined for stardom.
What I didn't know was that your real stardom would come from the way you have lived your life both on and off the floor.
I think I am most proud of your Bruin heritage when your intelligence, commitment and sincerity are displayed to the world.
You are a constant inspiration -- a role model for the student athlete -- a beacon that there is more to going to school than playing ball.
I love the UCLA commercial -- it says a lot about you, a lot about us and a lot about UCLA.
Happy Birthday.
sjh
Posted by: Steve Herzberg | April 16, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Happy birthday to the greatest basketball player on the planet and the master and creater of the "Skyhook"!!!
Kareem, you will always be my hero and I am truly greatful to have finally met you. You are one in ten million and I thank you for your generosity. Please let me know when you will be coming to the Olympic Tower so that I may have on hand a copy of the "Dragon Inn" on DVD for you. Question: are you looking for the 60's version or the early 90's remake? Please let me know as I have both of them.
I wish you health, peace, prosperity and longevity!
With great respect and admiration,
Hector Martinez (Mario Argote's friend and security at the Olympic Tower)
Posted by: Hector Martinez | April 16, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Happy birthday to the greatest basketball player on the planet and the master and creater of the "Skyhook"!!!
Kareem, you will always be my hero and I am truly greatful to have finally met you. You are one in ten million and I thank you for your generosity. Please let me know when you will be coming to the Olympic Tower so that I may have on hand a copy of the "Dragon Inn" on DVD for you. Question: are you looking for the 60's version or the early 90's remake? Please let me know as I have both of them.
I wish you health, peace, prosperity and longevity!
With great respect and admiration,
Hector Martinez (Mario Argote's friend and security at the Olympic Tower)
Posted by: Hector Martinez | April 16, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Happy Birthday, Kareem!
Posted by: Ariunbold | April 16, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Hi,
I'm from paris and i love the nba basketball
i want to wish a happy birthday to one of greatest player of nba history Mr Abdul Jabbar!!!
The Skyhook man!
Happy 61 Kareem and hope to see you more for long time!
bye
Tarikson
Posted by: Tarik BOUKHATEM | April 16, 2008 at 05:17 PM
HAPPY B-DAY MR.NBA
Hope all ya dreams come true
Posted by: christian A.K.A StYlEZ | April 16, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Assalamualaikum, Kareem.
Have a nice day. Hope you and the lakers make it far in the playoffs.
Posted by: Jaabir | April 16, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Happy birthday to you, Kareem, my childhood idol!!
Growing up in the 70's and 80's, I would always watch whatever Lakers game I could catch on TV and see the Master of the Skyhook dominate the Lakers' opponents. I also had a few opportunities to see you in person during your frequent vacations in Hawaii - my most vivid memory was when you personally autographed my poster of you doing the skyhook at the Ala Moana Robins shoe store shortly after you retired from basketball. I still have the poster to this day and cherish it as much as the day that it was signed by you.
I wish you great health, prosperity, and much success in all of your endeavors. Hopefully, we will see more of you in the future in Hawaii (Hanalei!!!) and maybe at the Lakers training camp.
Best regards
Syin
Posted by: Syin | April 16, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Happy Birthday Cap!
Posted by: skyhook_bruin | April 16, 2008 at 07:17 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREEM!
61 years?.............. What is your secret?.........
Kisses
Lucia (Spain)-Europe
Posted by: Lucia | April 16, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Yes, happy birthday~that is what I stopped by to say after noticing it in the Pocono Record early today.
Birthdays tend to make me look back over life~the days of black and white small screen TV's when stations stopped airing at midnight~the turbulent 1960s and all that followed.
Quite amazing to be able to instantly send a greeting to a much admired man.
Posted by: mary LB | April 16, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Happy birthday, Kareem! You, Bill Brady, and Dean Smith will always give me hope for the idea of the scholar/athlete.
Posted by: Eduardo Hugo Gil | April 16, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Happy birthday!!! I m digging the vibe on your blog.
Bygbaby
Posted by: Bygbaby | April 16, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Happy birthday Kareem!
I'm not old enough to have been able to watch you play in the NBA, but I do know my NBA history and I know you are truly one of the greatest players of all time. Not just for your contributions on the court, but also off it.
Love the blog, keep up the good work!
Posted by: punzki | April 17, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Assalamualaikum Kareem - and Happy Birthday.... You're truly an inspiration and most deserving of all the Happy Birthdays you'll ever have..... the secret is simple....keep waking up. Thanks for al lthe memories that you both share and evoke our minds to resurrect.
Peace be Unto You...
Posted by: MsJumper | April 17, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Happy Birthday kid ! I'm a bit ahead of you on the baby-boomer time line, but we were at UCLA at the same time, back in the day. Hope your birthday celebration is a good one.
Posted by: Laura | April 17, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Asalam o'alaikum!
Happy birthday my brother. God bless you and your family!
Peace..
//
Younas, Sweden.
Posted by: Younas Mallick | April 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Happy Birthday, Kareem!
I'd go to a small, nameless beach about a mile and a half north of County Line. Isolated. You can bring your dog. A great place to get away.
Posted by: Jon K. | April 17, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Try Belize, Central America, Cap. It's a unique experience, and very special for conscious people, particularly Afro-Americans.
Posted by: Glenn | April 17, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Happy Birthday!
If Bynum can't make it, do you think you can bring the skyhook out of retirement??
Hahahaha...j/k! I wish you all the best, and I enjoy your relevent and thoughtful entries in your blog. Keep up the GREAT work!
Peace. :)
Posted by: TheFaze | April 17, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Hey Kareem,
On your birthday in 2001, I took my first steps north on the Pacific Crest Trail at the Mexican border near Campo. I chose that day to leave on my quest to hike 2,650 miles to Canada to honor you as a champion and to inspire me to get the most out of myself. My career as a high school teacher allows me to hike the trail 4-5 weeks every summer. This year, if all goes well, I will complete the journey in Manning Park, British Columbia. When I get to the border, I'm going to throw a ceremonial sky hook up to the Sun and shout, "Yeah, Cap!" just for old times sakes. Thanks for being a great example for all of us over the years and most recently, thanks for letting us get to know you a little better through your writing. All the best, Palomino
Posted by: Palomino | April 17, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Happy Belated Birthday, Kareem,
You are such a special person and have been so very kind to my daughter, Kim, and my grandson, Jameson. I don't think you know how much of a fan my daughter has been of yours. She had your jersey number when she played basketball in high school. Thank you for being such a good friend to her. BTW--I'm a big fan, too!!
Thanks again,
Respectfully Yours,
Marsha Keating
Posted by: Marsha Keating | April 18, 2008 at 10:06 AM
you can't be 61
I just watched you score on a baseline skyhook over Hank Finkel to win a double OT playoff game...
Posted by: fred warrick | April 20, 2008 at 08:07 AM