What is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Net Worth?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a former American professional basketball player, has a net worth of $25 million. He is renowned for his illustrious NBA career, during which he won the NBA Championship six times. For many years, he held the title of the league's all-time leading scorer until February 2023, when LeBron James surpassed his record. Many consider Abdul-Jabbar the greatest basketball player of all time. Beyond basketball, he has made significant contributions as an actor and best-selling author.
Early Life
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City. From a young age, his exceptional size set him apart. By eighth grade, he was already 6'8". His basketball talent emerged early, and he became a dominant high school player. Abdul-Jabbar attended Power Memorial Academy, where his team won multiple championships, earning him the nickname "the Tower from Power." He broke numerous high school basketball records before moving on to a stellar college career at UCLA.
College Basketball
At UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar's basketball prowess was immediately evident. Though he started on the freshman team, he quickly transitioned to varsity. His impact was profound, leading the team to an impressive record with only two losses over three years. Abdul-Jabbar’s skills even led to a ban on dunking in college basketball. In 1968, he boycotted the US Olympic team and converted to Islam, adopting his new name. His participation in the historic 1968 "game of the century," where UCLA faced Houston, drew national attention despite his team’s initial loss but eventual victory in the NCAA Tournament.
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NBA Career
Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, Abdul-Jabbar made an immediate impact, becoming the league’s second-highest scorer as a rookie and leading the Bucks to a championship the following year. In 1975, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where his collaboration with Magic Johnson spearheaded the team to five championship titles during the 80s. Abdul-Jabbar’s career spanned two decades, culminating in 1989 with an impactful retirement. His achievements included being named NBA Finals MVP twice, NBA MVP six times, and being selected for the NBA All-Star Team 19 times.
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Coaching
After retiring from playing, Abdul-Jabbar naturally shifted towards coaching, though opportunities were limited. Known for his quiet demeanor, he faced challenges integrating into coaching roles but eventually worked with teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Seattle Supersonics. He experienced success as the head coach in the now-defunct United States Basketball League, leading the Oklahoma Storm to a championship. His most notable coaching stint was as a special assistant coach for the Lakers from 2005 to 2011.
Acting
While in Los Angeles, Abdul-Jabbar appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing himself. His notable film appearances include Airplane! and Bruce Lee's Game of Death. He also made guest appearances on TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Scrubs, and The Colbert Report. In 2018, he became a writer for the show Veronica Mars.
Books
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is also a prolific author, contributing profound insights into sports, history, and social justice. Notable works include his autobiography "Giant Steps" and "Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White." He has co-authored the "Mycroft Holmes" series and wrote "Coach Wooden and Me," detailing his relationship with UCLA coach John Wooden. Each book showcases his intellectual depth and commitment to addressing significant social issues, earning him respect beyond the sports world.
Personal Life
After marrying Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, the couple had three children before divorcing in 1978. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has two additional children. Apart from his professional achievements, he is known for his contributions to literature and advocacy for black history and rights.
Real Estate
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar owned a remarkable Hawaiian house on the island of Kauai, which was custom-built for him in 1986. The property featured unique elements like soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, a large custom pool, and a private pathway to Secret Beach. He sold the home in 2015 for $4.8 million.
In 1996, he bought a home in Los Angeles for $2.2 million, adding an indoor sports court, spa, and gym before selling it for $2.7 million in 2001.
