If basketball had a “most unstoppable move” award, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would probably have won it every year for two decades. Standing an imposing 7 feet 2 inches tall and armed with the most famous shot in basketball history—the skyhook—Abdul-Jabbar built a career that reads like a list of records waiting to be broken. For many years he was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and even now his name still appears near the top of nearly every meaningful basketball statistic.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City. From an early age, it was obvious that he was destined for basketball greatness. By the time he entered high school at Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan, Alcindor was already towering over classmates and dominating opponents on the court. His high school team compiled an astonishing winning streak and won multiple city championships, turning the young star into one of the most sought-after college prospects in the country.

He chose to attend the legendary basketball program at University of California, Los Angeles, where he played under famed coach John Wooden. At UCLA, Alcindor quickly proved he was unlike any college player before him. The team won three NCAA championships during his time there, and he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player multiple times. In fact, he was so dominant that college basketball briefly banned dunking—an unofficial rule change many fans jokingly referred to as “the Alcindor Rule.”

In 1969, Alcindor entered the professional ranks and was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. His impact was immediate. In just his second season he helped lead the Bucks to an NBA championship in 1971 while also winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

During this period, Alcindor converted to Islam and adopted the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means “generous servant of the Almighty.” The name change reflected a deeper personal journey as he explored his identity, faith, and role as a public figure.

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where his career reached even greater heights. Playing alongside legendary teammates such as Magic Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar became a central figure in the Lakers’ famous “Showtime” era during the 1980s. The team captured multiple NBA championships, thrilling fans with fast-paced offense and star power.

Throughout his career, Abdul-Jabbar perfected the skyhook—a sweeping one-handed shot released high above defenders’ reach. It became one of the most reliable and difficult-to-stop moves in sports history. Defenders knew it was coming. They just couldn’t stop it.

By the time Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989, his list of achievements was staggering. He won six NBA championships, six Most Valuable Player awards, and played in 19 All-Star Games. For nearly four decades he held the NBA record for most career points scored, a testament to his longevity, skill, and consistency.

But Abdul-Jabbar’s accomplishments extend well beyond the basketball court. He has become a respected author, cultural commentator, and advocate for social justice. He has written several books on history, race, and culture, and frequently contributes thoughtful essays to major publications.

Fans of classic comedy may also recognize him from a memorable cameo in the 1980 film Airplane!, where he humorously played a co-pilot who insisted he was definitely not Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—even though he very obviously was.

Today, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains one of the most influential figures in the history of basketball. His impact on the game, his thoughtful voice in public life, and that unstoppable skyhook have secured his place among the greatest athletes of all time.