Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally named Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, is a retired American basketball player esteemed as one of the NBA’s most legendary figures. He played the center position for 20 seasons, from 1969 to 1989, with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Abdul-Jabbar holds records for six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) titles, 19 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, and 11 All-Defensive Team accolades.
As a player, he clinched six NBA championships—one with the Bucks and five with the Lakers—adding two more as an assistant coach for the Lakers. He was named NBA Finals MVP on two occasions. Abdul-Jabbar maintained the NBA career scoring record with 38,387 points from 1984 until LeBron James eclipsed it in 2023. He continues to lead in field goals made. As of February 2026, at the age of 78, Abdul-Jabbar stays engaged as an author, commentator, philanthropist, and advocate for social equity, health, and education. He persists in writing, speaking, and supporting youth initiatives while managing health obstacles.
Biography Update
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar entered the world as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in Harlem, New York City. His mother, Cora Lillian, was a price checker at a department store, while his father, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., was both a transit police officer and jazz musician. The family resided in the Dyckman Street projects in Inwood, Upper Manhattan. Alcindor exhibited remarkable height from a young age; he was 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) at age 9 and reached 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters) by the eighth grade. His stature frequently garnered attention and comments, impacting him emotionally.
He attended Power Memorial Academy, a private Catholic secondary school, and chose number 33 to pay tribute to New York Giants fullback Mel Triplett. Guided by coach Jack Donohue, he led his team to three consecutive New York City Catholic championships, achieved a 71-game winning streak, and boasted a 79–2 record. He scored 2,067 points, setting a city high school record. In a notable 1961 game, Power Memorial encountered a team with Lew Alcindor, who would eventually transform into Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in a symbolic contest.
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While at UCLA from 1966 to 1969, Alcindor secured three successive NCAA championships under coach John Wooden and was honored as NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player three times. Additionally, he was a three-time All-American and shattered numerous records. In 1968, he converted to Islam, adopting the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which translates to “noble one, servant of the Almighty.” He was inspired by Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam, later embracing Sunni Islam.
Selected first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, Abdul-Jabbar guided them to the 1971 NBA championship at the age of 24. Following a trade request in 1975, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for 14 seasons, claiming five additional titles during the “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson. His signature skyhook shot was virtually unguardable. He hung up his jersey in 1989 at the age of 42.
After his career, Abdul-Jabbar transitioned to becoming an author, actor, and activist. He penned best-selling works encompassing history, civil rights, and personal development. He also appeared in films, such as Game of Death alongside Bruce Lee, and in television programs. He has served as a coach, acted as a U.S. global cultural ambassador in 2012, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2016. In recent years, he has focused on health advocacy after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2008 (now in remission), prostate cancer in 2009, and undergoing heart surgery in 2015. Between 2023 and 2026, he has discussed atrial fibrillation and collaborated with Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer on awareness initiatives. He continues to champion racial justice, education, and cancer research.
Age
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947. As of February 2026, he is 78 years old.
Height
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s height is measured at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters). His stature, paired with remarkable skills, allowed him to excel in the paint throughout his professional journey.
Children
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has seven children from various relationships:
- Habiba Abdul-Jabbar (daughter, born 1972) – From his initial marriage.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jr. (son, born 1976) – Played collegiate basketball.
- Sultana Abdul-Jabbar (daughter, born 1979) – Maintains a low profile.
- Amir Abdul-Jabbar (son, born 1979) – From a relationship with Cheryl Pistono.
- Adam Abdul-Jabbar (son, born 1986) – Appeared alongside his father on Full House.
- Another daughter and son from different relationships (names kept confidential).
Abdul-Jabbar has been candid about the challenges of fatherhood and remains close with his family.
Wife
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar married Habiba Abdul-Jabbar (born Janice Brown) in 1971. They crossed paths during his senior year at UCLA. The couple had three children (Habiba, Kareem Jr., and Sultana) before dissolving their marriage in 1978. Abdul-Jabbar has not publicly remarried since. He has engaged in other long-term relationships, including one with Cheryl Pistono (mother of Amir). He keeps his personal life discreet but has emphasized the significance of family.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s net worth is approximated between $20 and $25 million. His fortune stems from:
- NBA earnings (garnered millions during his Lakers tenure).
- Post-retirement endorsements and appearances.
- Book royalties (multiple best-sellers in history and personal development).
- Acting roles and media endeavors.
- Investments and real estate holdings.
He has represented a variety of causes and brands, notably in cancer awareness. As of 2026, there have been no significant adjustments to his financial situation.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.) |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1947 |
| Age (Feb 2026) | 78 |
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| NBA Career | 1969–1989 (Bucks, Lakers); 6× NBA champion |
| Major Awards | 6× MVP, 19× All-Star, 2× Finals MVP, Hall of Fame (1995) |
| Children | 7 (Habiba, Kareem Jr., Sultana, Amir, Adam, others) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Habiba Abdul-Jabbar, 1971–1978) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $20–25 million |
| Recent Activity | Author, advocate for health/justice; cancer survivor |
