Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player, author and activist best known as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly four decades, the master of the unstoppable skyhook shot and a six-time NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. With his towering height, his graceful skyhook and his fierce intelligence on and off the court, Abdul-Jabbar built a career that spanned two decades on the court and decades more as a writer and activist, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
| Full Name | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1947 |
| Age | 79 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| Profession | Former basketball player, author, activist |
| Known For | Skyhook, 6x NBA champion, 6x NBA MVP |
| Children | Five, Habiba, Sultana, Kareem Jr., Amir and Adam |
| Net Worth | Approx. $25 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a basketball player who became one of the biggest stars in NBA history. He first found fame with the Milwaukee Bucks, a team he joined in 1969 after being drafted first overall, and he went on to lead the Bucks to the NBA championship in 1971, winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, and to win six NBA Most Valuable Player awards, in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1980.
Abdul-Jabbar also had a successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships with the team, in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, and he has been praised for his skyhook shot, his longevity and his activism.
Early Life & Background
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City, as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., the son of a police officer father, and he grew up in Harlem, where he attended Power Memorial Academy. He began playing basketball as a child, teaching himself to shoot by practising for hours on end, and he led Power Memorial to three New York City Catholic championships.
After graduating from high school, Abdul-Jabbar attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied, and he led the Bruins to three NCAA championships, in 1967, 1968 and 1969, winning the NCAA Most Outstanding Player award three times. He then converted to Islam in 1968, changing his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971.
He has five children, Habiba, Sultana, Kareem Jr., Amir and Adam, from his marriage to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar and other relationships. He lives in Los Angeles, and he is known for his love of writing and for his work as an activist and cultural commentator.
Career
Abdul-Jabbar’s breakthrough came in 1969, when he joined the Milwaukee Bucks and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. The Bucks went on to win the NBA championship in 1971, and Abdul-Jabbar went on to win three NBA Most Valuable Player awards with the Bucks, in 1971, 1972 and 1974, before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975.
After joining the Lakers, Abdul-Jabbar won five NBA championships with the team, in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988, and he retired in 1989 as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points, a record he held for nearly 34 years until LeBron James passed him in 2023. He was named NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1971 and 1985.
Like his Lakers teammate Magic Johnson and his great rival Larry Bird, Abdul-Jabbar is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to every game. He continues to write and speak, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in basketball.
Facts About Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships, one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
- He was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in New York City in 1947.
- He was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 34 years, until LeBron James passed him in 2023.
- He has five children, Habiba, Sultana, Kareem Jr., Amir and Adam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, which makes him 79 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 7 feet 2 inches tall (2.18 metres).
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar best known for?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is best known for his skyhook shot and his six NBA championships.