One of the biggest, figuratively and literally, stars in Los Angeles Lakers’ history is unhappy with the organization for what he feels is a lack of recognition. After the team erected a statue in honor of Jerry West outside of the Staples Center last February, Abdul-Jabbar feels he deserves one as well.
“I am highly offended by the total lack of acknowledgement of my contribution to Laker success. I guess being the lynchpin for five world championships is not considered significant enough in terms of being part of Laker history.”
This comes on the heels of the announcement that longtime Boston Celtic center Bill Russell will receive a statue outside of the TD Garden in Boston.
Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most successful Lakers during his time in Los Angeles, and was a catalyst along with Magic Johnson back in the showtime days of the 1980s. He won five championships with the Lakers, and one with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to Los Angeles.
Lakers’ spokesman John Black acknowledged the lack of an Abdul-Jabbar statue, and hinted that Kareem may be next in line to receive one outside the Staples Center.
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