Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Sports Injuries

Type of Sport: Basketball

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Sports Injuries Table

Type Area Date Consequences Content How It Happened Recovery Duration Rehabilitation Details Impact On Career Psychological Impact Previous Injuries Return To Competition Severity Treatment Medical Staff Long Term Impact Preventive Measures Competition Missed Initial Symptoms Re Injury Risk Support System Rehabilitation Location
Ankle Injuries Right Ankle 1982-03-22 Swelling, pain, and limited mobility. The sprain required him to sit out several games to recover properly. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suffered a sprained ankle during a game after landing awkwardly. 2-3 weeks Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy. Temporary setback, but no long-term impact on performance. Increased caution with landings and foot placement. No significant ankle injuries reported prior to this incident. Returned to play after completing rehabilitation. Moderate RICE therapy and physical rehabilitation. Team doctors and physical therapists. No significant long-term impact. Strengthening exercises and proper footwear. Several games during the recovery period. Swelling, pain, and limited range of motion. Moderate, depending on adherence to preventive mea Support from team medical staff and coaches. Team facilities and physical therapy centers.
Eye Injuries Right Eye 1974-01-08 Temporary vision impairment and significant pain. This injury led Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to wear protective goggles for the remainder of his career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was struck in the eye by an opponent's finger during a game. Several weeks Rest and medical treatment for the eye to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. Led to the adoption of protective eyewear, which became a part of his iconic image. Increased awareness and caution regarding eye protection. None reported prior to this incident. Returned to play after recovery with protective eyewear. Moderate Medical treatment for eye injury, including anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Team doctors and specialists in ophthalmology. Continued use of protective goggles for the rest of his career. Wearing protective eyewear during games. Several games during the recovery period. Pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Low, due to the use of protective goggles. Support from team medical staff and coaches. Team facilities and specialized medical clinics.
Hand Injuries Right Hand 1976-10-17 Fracture of the right hand. This injury caused him to miss a significant portion of the season and required a cast. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar punched a backboard stanchion in frustration during a game. Approximately 2 months Immobilization in a cast followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Missed several games, but returned to form after recovery. Increased focus on controlling emotional reactions during games. No significant hand injuries reported prior to this incident. Returned to play after the hand healed and physical therapy was completed. Severe Casting and physical therapy. Team doctors and hand specialists. No significant long-term impact on performance. Enhanced emotional control and stress management techniques. Several weeks of the regular season. Severe pain and inability to use the hand. Low, with proper emotional control and stress mana Support from team medical staff and coaches. Team facilities and specialized medical clinics.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Sports Injuries Videos

Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar injured in a fall

NBA and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been hospitalized after suffering a broken hip from a fall at a concert last night. The 76-year-old was taken to UCLA hospital and was scheduled to undergo surgery today. According to his longtime business partner Deborah Morales, no details about his condition have been released. Kareem, a Hall of Famer and the league's only six-time MVP, was recently surpassed by LeBron James as the NBA's all-time scoring leader. He has been battling health issues, including chronic myeloid leukemia since 2009 and prostate cancer since 2020. Morales released a statement expressing gratitude for the support and hopes for a speedy recovery for Kareem.
Video thumb: Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar injured in a fall

Kareem 40 points vs. Sixers (Game 5, 1980 NBA Finals)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a standout performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Despite injuring his ankle during the game, he continued to play, making crucial shots and free throws. His injury occurred after a move where he landed awkwardly, forcing him to leave momentarily. However, he returned to the court, demonstrating resilience and contributing significantly to his team's efforts.
Video thumb: Kareem 40 points vs. Sixers (Game 5, 1980 NBA Finals)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Checks Out for the Final Time

June 13, 1989 - With his team on the brink of elimination, 42-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took his final bow late in Game 4 of...
Video thumb: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Checks Out for the Final Time