USA - Kareem statue in the works

LOS ANGELES (NBA) - No one could possibly forget the accomplishments of American basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the contributions he made to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But in case they need reminding, a statue is to be erected in his honor outside of the Staples Center, where the Lakers play their games.

Only a select group of sportsmen have had the honor of a statue being placed outside the venue.

They include Abdul-Jabbar's former teammate, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, ex-Laker and NBA great Jerry West, broadcaster Chick Hearn, boxer Oscar De La Hoya, ice hockey legend Wayne Gretsky and now Kareem, who captured six NBA titles and was named MVP six times in his illustrious career.

The 2.18m centre was among the most famous players when a collegian at UCLA, where he played for the late John Wooden and led the team to NCAA glory.

At the time, he was known as Lew Alcindor, but he later converted to Islam.

Abdul-Jabbar made a huge impact in the NBA and not just with the Lakers.

He broke in with the Milwaukee Bucks and led them to a championship but decided he did not want to remain with the club and the Lakers were able to pounce and make him one of their players.

The 65-year-old had voiced frustration when the Lakers decided to put a statue up in West’s honor and still had yet to do so for him.

The star center was best known on the court for his sky hook, a shot that was virtually unstoppable and made him and his teams among the most feared.

A date has yet to be announced by the Lakers when the statue will be unveiled.

FIBA