When it comes to the GOAT debate, names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James often dominate the conversation. While MJ and Bron rightly are considered among the best to do it, one of the most underrated players who should be on the list is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kareem, who made his debut with the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1969, was one of the most unique players of his generation. For a center of his size, Abdul-Jabbar had incredible finesse and finishing ability. A superstar the day he made his debut in the league, Kareem, only in his second year in the league, helped Bucks win their first title in franchise history as they clinched the 1971 Finals.
After six years with the Bucks, the 19-time All-Star joined the Los Angeles Lakers. While his initial years were not that impressive, everything changed with the arrival of superstar guard Magic Johnson. With a second superstar to rely on, the Magic-Kareem duo dominated the league. They even led the Lakers to a championship in the very first year they played with each other.
One of the Hall of Famers who faced off against this dynamic duo was legendary Detroit Pistons guard Isiah Thomas. In an interview, Thomas explained how Kareem savagely trash-talked him during a game. (6:14 onwards):
“I remember I was the designated double-teamer, so we double-teamed Kareem every time he touched the basketball. And Magic threw it in. My job was to come back and double-team… I remember Kareem looks me dead in my eyes and goes, ‘Hey, is this your man?’ And he drops it right over my head, Magic lays it up. I mean, he was so smart.”
The duo of Magic and Kareem certainly was one of the most feared duos in the 1980s. Winning 5 titles in the span of 8 years, the Lakers were absolutely unstoppable with Magic and Kareem leading the way. But with the 6-time MVP well out of his prime, 1989 saw a change of guard.
As fate would have it, the Pistons led by Isiah Thomas would take over the legendary Lakers to become the new powerhouse of the league, winning two titles in a row.
