Tag: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

LeBron had interesting response when asked about Kareem’s record

LeBron James may have been messing around when he responded to a reporter’s question about breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.

One of the most anticipated storylines of the new NBA season is LeBron James approaching Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s record for most career points.

James has 37,062 points, which places him 1,325 points behind the legendary Los Angeles Lakers center.

If all goes well for the four-time MVP, he could surpass Abdul-Jabbar sometime late this winter. The team is reportedly hoping to stage a big event if and when he does so.

After the Lakers’ first preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night, he was asked about breaking the record and if he has a relationship with Abdul-Jabbar, and James deadpanned an interesting answer.

Knowing James’ personality, his response likely could’ve been meant as a joke.

Still, he will put yet another notch on his belt, and it will be a huge one. Once he leapfrogs Abdul-Jabbar, he will be the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in the regular season.

[mm-video type=video id=01gd1e4mnmhz3qz8n0t7 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gd1e4mnmhz3qz8n0t7/01gd1e4mnmhz3qz8n0t7-38c546a77fd4e142effefacfb34d107f.jpg]

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LeBron James when asked about for his thoughts on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: No thoughts, no relationship

Ball is Life: LeBron James was asked about his thoughts & relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “No thoughts & no relationship.” Source: Twitter What’s the buzz on Twitter? Duane Rankin @ DuaneRankin “A lot of criticism comes with playing sport or …

Ball is Life: LeBron James was asked about his thoughts & relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “No thoughts & no relationship.”

Source: Twitter

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“A lot of criticism comes with playing sport or being on TV. It’s just a perspective thing. Everybody take a look in the mirror. Nobody’s perfect”
Devin Booker on Instagram post of LeBron James photo tagged MOOD after #Suns loss to Adelaide 36ers
“It’s more of a life statement” pic.twitter.com/bb3VKxsYaK – 4:30 PM

John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
Lakers’ first defensive possession of the preseason wasn’t exactly encouraging in regard to LeBron making the next rotation on defense more than he did last season. pic.twitter.com/ILLUM9n2P7 – 12:10 PM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
So were this the regular season, LeBron James would have seen his all time record of 1096 straight games scoring 10+ pts come to an end as he scored 4 in 16 min in a loss to SAC. He shot 0-7 FG. Only 1x, in his 3rd season. has he ever played a game in which he did not have a FG – 3:00 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron laughed when he was asked about shooting 0-for 7 from the field: pic.twitter.com/9r8yLzWmPw – 1:51 AM

Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Keegan Murray on matching up against LeBron James pic.twitter.com/6Z0scr1fSf – 1:13 AM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Final: Kings 105, Lakers 75.
The Lakers led after a half 46-41, but after LeBron, AD and Russ all sat, it flew apart. Will be interested to see how it goes when they get more time — when they played, the supporting cast looked good around them. – 12:55 AM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers drop 105-75 game to Kings. AD had 11 points, 11 rebounds. LeBron James 4 points, but missed all seven of his field goals. Russell Westbrook had 5 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds. – 12:54 AM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Lakers drop their preseason opener 105-75 to SAC with Darvin Ham limiting his starters’ playing time. AD 11p 11r in 16 mins; Russ 5p on 2-of-3 3a in 15 mins; LeBron 4p on 0-of-7 2a in 16 mins. Rookie Cole Swider had 10p off the bench. LAL has PHX in Vegas on Wednesday. – 12:53 AM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
As expected, LeBron, AD and Westbrook are all done for the night having played in the 1st half. Patrick Beverley may also be done for the evening.
Rookies Cole Swider and Max Christie started the 2nd half alongside JTA, Nunn and Jones. – 12:03 AM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Doubt we’re gonna see LeBron James, Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis again tonight.
LeBron was 0-for-7 from the field. If I were a betting woman, I’d place a lot of money that he’s going to go off next game, even though it’s just the preseason. – 12:00 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
LeBron tonight:
4 PTS
0-7 FG
0-2 3P
Preseason. pic.twitter.com/EJkpzPn5RG – 11:58 PM

Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Halftime: Lakers 46, Kings 41
Anthony Davis has 11 pts (two 3s) and 11 rebs. Russell Westbrook has 5 pts, 3 rebs and 3 asts. Rough shooting half for LeBron (4 pts on 0-of-7 FGs). Impressive play from Wenten Gabriel. The Lakers are a team-high +6 with Kendrick Nunn on the floor. – 11:42 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
LeBron is 0 for 7 tonight late in the half.
The last time he was 0 for 7 at halftime of a game was Feb. 19, 2008.
That year, the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series.
LFG. – 11:37 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Davis has controlled the defensive glass thus far with 9 rebounds in 12 minutes. He’s 2 for 5 with a made 3 on the other end.
LeBron has yet to hit a shot, starting 0 for 7 as he looks for his rhythm. He’s 4 for 5 at the FT line, with LAL leading 35-28 midway through the 2nd. – 11:27 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
LeBron James has opened the Lakers’ first preseason game shooting 0-for-6 from the field. He was clearly frustrated after missing the last shot he was fouled on, shaking his head as he looked down at the floor. – 11:24 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Good thing it’s preseason: LeBron has started 0 for 6 from the field and I can’t remember the last time that could be said. He shook his head after drawing a foul but missing the and-1 layup at the hoop. – 11:21 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
LeBron James’ stomach hurting a bit after Trey Lyles bumped him during his last drive. – 11:20 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Great pass, Bron – 10:58 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Lineup now out: Reaves, Beverley, Bryant, JTA and LeBron. A little smaller, theoretically scrappier defensively and better shooters. Interested in this one. – 10:57 PM
James Ham @James_HamNBA
Keegan Murray defending LeBron James. – 10:57 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
5:58 left, 1Q.
Current Lakers lineup:
Patrick Beverley
Russell Westbrook
LeBron James
Anthony Davis
Juan Toscano-Anderson – 10:54 PM
Matt George @MattGeorgeSAC
Totally understand the arguments for not wanting to start Keegan Murray and have him defend LeBron.
Except this is preseason, which is all about testing and getting experience before the regular season.
Regardless of him starting, I hope Keegan gets a little time guarding LBJ. – 10:34 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ham said he’ll likely play 11 or 12 guys tonight, including LeBron, AD and Westbrook. Their minutes will be limited in this preseason opener.
Walker IV is out, but is expected to be cleared to play by tomorrow (next game is Wednesday)
Brown Jr. and Schroder are also out. – 9:03 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Darvin Ham on Anthony Davis running the offense and the dynamic with LeBron, AD and Russ pic.twitter.com/Vpx4XFvTuj – 9:02 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ham said he’s been amazed at LeBron’s level of “pop” and “quick twitch”, his overall athleticism going into Year 20.
The Lakers have several other explosive athletes (Ham mentioned Westbrook, Damian Jones and Lonnie Walker), but Ham said LeBron has stood out in that way. – 8:59 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
As has been trending through the first week of camp, it’ll be LeBron, AD, Russ, Damian Jones and Kendrick Nunn in tonight’s game against Sacramento. Darvin Ham says the regular season lineup is “totally fluid.” – 8:58 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers starters are Bron, AD, K Nunn, Russ and Damion Jones – 8:57 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Darvin Ham said the startling lineup (LeBron, AD, Russ, Nunn and Jones) is “totally fluid.” He added that that’s the starting lineup “for tonight.” – 8:57 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Ham confirmed that tonight’s starters will be Westbrook, Nunn, LeBron, AD and Jones.
That remains fluid moving forward, but Ham has liked how that group has fit together in camp thus far. – 8:57 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says that his starting unit remains “totally fluid” even though he is beginning with LeBron, AD, Westbrook, Nunn and Damian Jones in tonight’s preseason opener – 8:57 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Starters for tonight:
-Russ
-Nunn
-Lebron
-AD
-Jones – 8:57 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Darvin Ham said his starting lineup “is totally fluid” but Nunn and Jones will start with LeBron, AD and Westbrook tonight – 8:56 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers starters tonight:
Damian Jones
Anthony Davis
LeBron James
Kendrick Nunn
Russell Westbrook – 8:56 PM
Mike Bresnahan @Mike_Bresnahan
Lakers Coach Darvin Ham said LeBron, Anthony Davis and Westbrook would get “a couple quick bursts” of playing time in tonight’s pre-season opener against Sacramento.
Davis has some back soreness but is expected to play, Ham added. – 8:52 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
AD, LeBron and Russ all will play tonight – 8:50 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Darvin Ham says LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook will all play “a couple of quick bursts” before having their nights finish in tonight’s preseason opener against the Kings. – 8:50 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Darvin says LeBron, Russ and AD will get “a few quick bursts” tonight against the Kings, and then they will be shut down. About 11 or 12 Lakers should play tonight. – 8:50 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Darvin Ham says 11 to 12 players will play tonight. LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook are all playing. – 8:50 PM

More on this storyline

Lakers star Lebron James also put pressure on the team to make the deal, according to sources. They eventually determined the cost would be too great, and decided against it, per sources. Westbrook is set to suit up with the Lakers on Monday for their preseason game against Sacramento. -via The Athletic / October 4, 2022
Kyle Goon: LeBron laughed when @Brad Turner asked him about his 0 for 7 preseason night and if he’s still getting his legs under him: “I’ve been 0-fer before. It’s just that I played more. 
 In 15 minutes, it was over with. But that’s the last thing on my mind, as far as makes or misses.” pic.twitter.com/ukjKrYczFP -via Twitter @kylegoon / October 4, 2022

Kevin Durant likes tweet implying Kareem-Abdul Jabbar is a hypocrite for Kyrie Irving takedown

Kevin Durant likes tweet implying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is hypocritical for calling out Kyrie Irving. Source: reddit What’s the buzz on Twitter? Brian Lewis @ NYPost_Lewis Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rips Kyrie Irving over Alex Jones video #Nets …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rips Kyrie Irving over Alex Jones video #Nets nypost.com/2022/10/03/kar
 via @nypostsports – 1:44 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kareem rips Kyrie as ‘destructive and insensitive’ over Alex Jones video, says sponsors should drop him nj.com/nets/2022/10/k
 – 11:29 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving getting some post work done during Nets shootaround pic.twitter.com/8DT7pdK1it – 10:41 AM

Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
More Vassell: “What we need to take away from it, for real, is if we’re not hitting shots we’ve still got to be competitive. We’ve still got to play on the defensive end. We don’t have KD talent. We can’t sit here and rely on the offensive end.” – 10:35 PM
Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
I almost never step out to wager on NBA Exhibition games – rotations are unpredictable, you never know who will be out there late – but a few of Sunday’s scores are interesting: HOU 134 SA 96, TOR 114 UTAH 82, BOS 134 CHA 93. Nets host 76ers tomorrow..KD, Kyrie, Simmons to play.. – 9:59 PM
Kevin Durant @KDTrey5
Good shit 12.. – 7:49 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Seth Curry and TJ Warren are both out for tomorrow preseason opener against Philly. Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are good to go. – 6:12 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players in NBA history to average 20 PPG on 50/40/90% shooting in the Finals (min 10 games):
— Kevin Durant
— End of list
KD actually averages 30.3 PPG. @NBAMuse24 pic.twitter.com/jmXgsam1OH – 8:28 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Durant tired of talking Nets dramatic offseason: ‘I didn’t miss any games’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/10/01/dur
 – 10:26 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant anxious to ‘move on’ from Nets drama, ‘inaccurate’ rumors #nets #nba nypost.com/2022/09/30/kev
 via @nypostsports – 8:36 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kevin Durant on trade drama: ‘Can we move on past that at some point?” nj.com/nets/2022/09/k
 – 5:54 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD wants to “move past” the off-season. He’s confident this iteration of the Nets can be the type of winning group that can get back to the top of the East if they stay healthy. espn.com/nba/story/_/id
 – 4:03 PM

More on this storyline

Alex Schiffer: Seth Curry and TJ Warren are both out for tomorrow preseason opener against Philly. Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are good to go. -via Twitter @Alex__Schiffer / October 2, 2022
Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people who look up to athletes. When I look at some of the athletes who have used their status to actually improve society—Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Muhammad Ali, Bill Russel, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and more—it becomes clear how much Irving has tarnished the reputations of all athletes who strive to be seen as more than dumb jocks. -via Substack / October 3, 2022
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Irving does not seem to have the capacity to change, but we have the capacity to keep fighting against his brand of destructive behavior. One way to do that, beyond shaking our heads and nasty tweets, is to write to his sponsors and tell them to drop Irving—or you will drop them. Nike has likely decided not to renew his contract past this season. But he is still sponsored by Pepsi and 2K Sports. (Don’t feel bad for Irving: his career earnings at the end of the 2022-’23 season will be $230 million. That buys a lot of Yes-people.) -via Substack / October 3, 2022
Clutch Points: Kyrie Irving’s daughter giving her daddy some motivation heading into the new season 💯 (via @Kyrie Irving/ IG) pic.twitter.com/CB5kigH2NT -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / October 3, 2022

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar slams Kyrie Irving: ‘A comical buffoon’

Kareem Adbul-Jabbar has had enough of Kyrie Irving.

Both Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets are hoping to move on from a disastrous 2021-22 season that saw the star guard make more headlines off the court than on it. But on the eve of the new NBA regular season, Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is blasting Irving over a social media controversy.

In his latest post on Substack, Abdul-Jabbar calls out Irving for sharing a video clip featuring disgraced commentator Alex Jones talking about a conspiracy theory.

According to Abdul-Jabbar, Irving would be a pariah if not for his status as a star player, and Abdul-Jabbar even called for his readers to contact the companies paying Irving in an attempt to cause Irving to lose sponsors.

Via Kareem.substack.com:

“Irving is back and more destructive, insensitive, and just plain silly than before. He decided it would be a good idea to post a 2002 video clip from Infowars founder Alex Jones. Yeah, the guy who has been on trial for denying the Sandy Hook shootings and who previously admitted in open court that he’s a performer and his onscreen persona is just a character (that bilks millions of dollars from unaware viewers).

…. Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people who look up to athletes. When I look at some of the athletes who have used their status to actually improve society—Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Muhammad Ali, Bill Russel, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and more—it becomes clear how much Irving has tarnished the reputations of all athletes who strive to be seen as more than dumb jocks.

Irving does not seem to have the capacity to change, but we have the capacity to keep fighting against his brand of destructive behavior. One way to do that, beyond shaking our heads and nasty tweets, is to write to his sponsors and tell them to drop Irving—or you will drop them. Nike has likely decided not to renew his contract past this season. But he is still sponsored by Pepsi and 2K Sports. (Don’t feel bad for Irving: his career earnings at the end of the 2022-’23 season will be $230 million. That buys a lot of Yes-people.)”

[mm-video type=video id=01gd1e4mph9spxdbbze4 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gd1e4mph9spxdbbze4/01gd1e4mph9spxdbbze4-bc0c9a351b0b3605976f7490eba60fec.jpg]

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar calls out Kyrie Irving: ‘He’d be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people’

Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people who look up to athletes. When I look at some of the athletes who have used their status to actually improve society-Colin Kaepernick, LeBron …

Kyrie Irving would be dismissed as a comical buffoon if it weren’t for his influence over young people who look up to athletes. When I look at some of the athletes who have used their status to actually improve society—Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Muhammad Ali, Bill Russel, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and more—it becomes clear how much Irving has tarnished the reputations of all athletes who strive to be seen as more than dumb jocks.

Source: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar @ Substack

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kareem rips Kyrie as ‘destructive and insensitive’ over Alex Jones video, says sponsors should drop him nj.com/nets/2022/10/k
 – 11:29 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving getting some post work done during Nets shootaround pic.twitter.com/8DT7pdK1it – 10:41 AM

Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
I almost never step out to wager on NBA Exhibition games – rotations are unpredictable, you never know who will be out there late – but a few of Sunday’s scores are interesting: HOU 134 SA 96, TOR 114 UTAH 82, BOS 134 CHA 93. Nets host 76ers tomorrow..KD, Kyrie, Simmons to play.. – 9:59 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Seth Curry and TJ Warren are both out for tomorrow preseason opener against Philly. Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are good to go. – 6:12 PM

More on this storyline

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Irving does not seem to have the capacity to change, but we have the capacity to keep fighting against his brand of destructive behavior. One way to do that, beyond shaking our heads and nasty tweets, is to write to his sponsors and tell them to drop Irving—or you will drop them. Nike has likely decided not to renew his contract past this season. But he is still sponsored by Pepsi and 2K Sports. (Don’t feel bad for Irving: his career earnings at the end of the 2022-’23 season will be $230 million. That buys a lot of Yes-people.) -via Substack / October 3, 2022
Clutch Points: Kyrie Irving’s daughter giving her daddy some motivation heading into the new season 💯 (via @Kyrie Irving/ IG) pic.twitter.com/CB5kigH2NT -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / October 3, 2022
As for the prospect of adding Kyrie Irving via free agency next summer, sources say he’s currently not a part of the Lakers’ long-term plans. There is an undeniable advantage to waiting here. Not only do the Lakers get a chance to see Westbrook in Ham’s system before making a more educated decision about the Pacers trade, but they keep the door open for other trade opportunities as well. Every season, high-level players become available closer to the February trade deadline when their teams underperform. All the while, the Lakers will be watching Westbrook closely while continuing to ponder what comes next. -via The Athletic / October 3, 2022

LeBron James doesn’t include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his all-time Lakers starting five

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James attempted the extremely tough task of creating the greatest starting five of Lakers players ever. James, who ended up excluding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his list, did create a pretty amazing lineup. “All-time …

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James attempted the extremely tough task of creating the greatest starting five of Lakers players ever. James, who ended up excluding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on his list, did create a pretty amazing lineup. “All-time starting five for the Lakers?” James said. “I’m going Magic [Johnson] at 1, Jerry West at the 2, Kobe [Bryant] at the 3, myself at the 4 and Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) at the 5.”

Source: Peter Dewey @ Lakers Daily

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mike Bresnahan @Mike_Bresnahan
Darvin Ham was coy when asked who’d round out the Lakers’ other two starting spots, assuming LeBron, Anthony Davis and Westbrook were in the first five.
“Kareem, James Worthy, Byron Scott,” Ham said. – 6:13 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
Darvin Ham coy on who played alongside LeBron, AD and Russ in first practice, jokingly brought up some of the Showtime Lakers. pic.twitter.com/ey1fI0C4I3 – 6:05 PM

Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Russ particularly animated after practice in a shooting contest with LeBron and AD pic.twitter.com/R5N89jErsN – 5:59 PM

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
AD, Bron and Russ having shooting contest pic.twitter.com/RHiFMDKil2 – 5:29 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Tuesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We react to Media Day interviews, including Westbrook’s vibe, LeBron/AD’s minutes being monitored and Pelinka’s plans for more roster moves. #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
Subscribe. Rate. Enjoy. Thx!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lak
 – 1:35 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers Media Day notebook:
— The awkward dynamic between Russ and the Lakers
— Trading both draft picks
— Managing LeBron and AD’s workload
— Injury/health updates
— And more: theathletic.com/3632175/2022/0
 – 12:57 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Where does LeBron rank on these all-time lists?
PTS (2nd)
REB (38th)
AST (7th)
STL (10th)
BLK (96th)
Wins (7th) pic.twitter.com/vcMgjLD1jP – 12:38 PM

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
My dude ⁊@Dan Woike⁩ has this from Lakers media day in ⁊@latimessports⁩ on: LeBron James on verge of NBA history, but Lakers’ success hinges on Russell Westbrook latimes.com/sports/lakers/
 – 12:19 PM

More on this storyline

It’s hard to argue with that group, but keeping the league’s all-time leading scorer in Abdul-Jabbar off of the list is certainly a tough pill to swallow for some Lakers fans. James justified his selections afterwards, and he even said he’d take himself out for teammate Anthony Davis. “I mean Shaq is so dominant, man,” James said. “I mean, I love Kareem too. I can’t even front on that, but Shaq’s so dominant, we need a big cuz I’m playing the 4, so we need a big. A.D. already put himself in the Top 5? Well put A.D. in, take me out.” -via Lakers Daily / September 28, 2022
Jovan Buha: Post-practice shooting competition with LeBron, AD and Russ pic.twitter.com/GRtcraw8QX -via Twitter @jovanbuha / September 27, 2022
Dave McMenamin: Post practice shooting with Russ, AD and LeBron after the first day of training camp pic.twitter.com/kScs6Bosk8 -via Twitter @mcten / September 27, 2022

‘Showtime’ Lakers reunited for a practice in Hawaii with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and it looked so fun

They had a ‘walk-around’ practice led by their former coach. Pat Riley.

Everyone loves talking about Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” Lakers.

There was the “Winning Time” HBO Series about the squad, starring John C. Reilly among other notable names. There is the new Hulu docu-series about the Lakers. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar started a video podcast, Skyhook, about his time with the team as well.

Even though the group hasn’t played together since 1989, the “Showtime” Lakers probably get more media coverage than most modern NBA teams. That continued this week because, as first reported by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne on The Lowe Post podcast, they reunited in Hawaii.

Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, and other players on the team, shared some awesome photos and videos of the experience:

This looked like a truly delightful experience for the old teammates to get together once again now more than three decades later. The guys played golf together and reflected on their success and all of their relationships.

Spectrum SportsNet will premiere a “ShowTime Reunion” special on Nov. 4 once the post-game show concludes after the Lakers play the Jazz.

[lawrence-related id=1950744,1869785]

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Kareem will start podcast where he will interview former teammates

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the centerpiece of the Showtime Lakers, will launch a podcast full of informative interviews with his former teammates.

Although the HBO series “Winning Time,” a fictionalized account of the dynastic Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s, has been a hit in the ratings, it has been criticized by many for its historical inaccuracies.

Some believe it has made some members of those Lakers, such as front office wizard Jerry West, into mere caricatures of their real-life counterparts. One of those critics has been Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the superstar center of those Showtime teams.

It looks like he has been motivated and inspired to start a podcast that will offer fans a factual account of the era from those who made it happen.

Via Substack:

“After watching Legacy: The True Story of the Lakers, my friend and former teammate Norm Nixon and I decided to have a video chat about our Showtime days,” wrote Abdul-Jabbar. “We discuss Magic Johnson, Pat Riley, our other teammates and a lot more. Talking with Norm about our playing strategies and our amazing teammates really was a delight for both of us.

“This is the first in a new series of videochats with my former teammates and coaches, including Jerry West, Michael Cooper, Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, Bob McAdoo, and AC Green. You will not want to miss what they have to say about their struggles and triumphs as players and afterward.

“This first conversation is available to all subscribers, but the subsequent interviews will be available only to paid subscribers. So, get your skyhook on and subscribe right now.”

Those Showtime teams grew into arguably the greatest the NBA has ever seen, and Abdul-Jabbar’s new podcast will surely be a treat for Millennials and members of Gen Z who were too young to have seen them do their thing.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remembers civil rights, Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell

Kareem Abdul Jabbar, a civil rights activist of legendary status in his own right, describes how Russell blazed that path for others.

Once, a young Lew Alcindor awkwardly was introduced to Boston Celtics Hall of Fame big man Bill Russell at Alcindor’s high school gym, neither knowing how close the two would become both via their iconic NBA careers and their shared drive to fight for civil rights.

Many decades later, the man once known as Alcindor — now far better known as Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — made an appearance on the PBS “Amanpour and Company” show to talk about his lifelong friend’s inspirational life after passing away at age 88 this past weekend.

Watch the clip embedded below to hear a civil rights activist of legendary status in his own right describe how Russell blazed that path for others.

Check out the Celtics Lab podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: I first met Bill …

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: I first met Bill Russell in 1961, when I was a 14-year-old freshman at Power Memorial High School. I had just arrived at the school gym for team practice only to find the Boston Celtics practicing instead. I was surprised to see a professional team in our gym, especially the NBA champions for the last three seasons in a row. As I found out later, because our gym was only twelve blocks from Madison Square Garden and near to several hotels, we were convenient for teams to practice. As I wandered into the gym, I saw, sitting casually on the bleacher bench reading The New York Times, Bill Russell. The Secretary of Defense himself. My personal hero.