Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is wondering why he hasn’t been immortalized outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles along with a group of Los Angeles sports icons.
Abdul-Jabbar, who helped lead the Lakers to five world championships and still leads the NBA in career points, told the Sporting News by the lack of a statue outside the home of his former team.
“It’s either an oversight or they’re taking me for granted,” Abdul-Jabbar told the magazine.
There are five statues for Los Angeles-area icons outside the arena recognizing Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Chick Hearn, Wayne Gretzky and Oscar De La Hoya. Abdul-Jabbar believes he should be next.
“I am highly offended by the total lack of acknowledgement of my contribution to Laker success,” Abdul-Jabbar told the magazine. “I guess being the linchpin for five world championships is not considered significant enough in terms of being part of Laker history.”
Abdul-Jabbar had a couple of interesting tweets Wednesday that showed he’s not backing down on his comments.
“Magic waited 8 years to be honored in that way,” . “So maybe I am chopped liver?”
Abdul-Jabbar has been involved with the Lakers in recent years as he helped develop center Andrew Bynum.
But the Los Angeles Times reported last month that Abdul-Jabbar’s contract as a part-time assistant coach along with those of other Lakers’ assistants and scouts after they expire when the expected lockout begins.
“Rumor has it that I will be getting a statue,” . “A caveat for all my fans — don’t hold your breath. Lakers don’t care about me.”
He : “Its not about a getting a statue because I’m over it – it’s about RESPECT! Lakers have given me the absolute minimum of respect.”
Quick question for Spurs Nation.
