Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, winning 8 titles between his NBA and NCAA career – 5 NBA Championships with the LA Lakers and 3 NCAA Championships with the UCLA Bruins.
Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved numerous accolades and records, including an impressive number of championships.
Below we look in detail into the championships won by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, exploring his success in both college and professional basketball.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s College Championships
Before embarking on his professional career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins under the legendary coach John Wooden.
During his time at UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar led the team to an unprecedented three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969.
1. 1967 NCAA Championship
In his sophomore year, Abdul-Jabbar played a pivotal role in helping the UCLA Bruins secure their first NCAA championship since 1964.
He averaged an impressive 29 points and 15.5 rebounds per game throughout the tournament, leading the team to victory.
2. 1968 NCAA Championship
The following year, Abdul-Jabbar continued his dominance on the court, leading the Bruins to their second consecutive NCAA championship.
He averaged an astonishing 26.2 points and 18.2 rebounds per game during the tournament, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in college basketball.
3. 1969 NCAA Championship
In his final year at UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar capped off his college career with another NCAA championship.
He averaged 26.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game during the tournament, showcasing his exceptional skills and leading the Bruins to their third consecutive title.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Championships
After his successful college career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar entered the NBA and continued to achieve remarkable success.
He played a total of 20 seasons in the NBA, spending six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
4. 1971 NBA Championship
In just his second season in the NBA, Abdul-Jabbar led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first and only NBA championship.
He averaged an impressive 27 points and 18.5 rebounds per game during the playoffs, earning him the NBA Finals MVP award.
5. 1980 NBA Championship
After being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975, Abdul-Jabbar formed a formidable partnership with Magic Johnson.
In the 1979-1980 season, the Lakers clinched the NBA championship, with Abdul-Jabbar playing a crucial role.
He averaged 33.4 points and 13.6 rebounds per game during the playoffs, earning him his second NBA Finals MVP award.
6. 1982 NBA Championship
Two years later, Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers secured their second NBA championship.
He averaged 25.7 points and 9 rebounds per game during the playoffs, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
7. 1985 NBA Championship
In the 1984-1985 season, Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers once again emerged victorious, capturing their third NBA championship together.
He averaged 25.7 points and 9 rebounds per game during the playoffs, showcasing his enduring skills and leadership.
8. 1987 NBA Championship
Abdul-Jabbar’s final NBA championship came in the 1986-1987 season.
At the age of 40, he played a crucial role in helping the Lakers secure their fifth championship.
He averaged 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game during the playoffs, proving that age was no barrier to his greatness.
Summary
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s championship record is truly remarkable.
He won a total of six NBA championships and three NCAA championships, solidifying his status as one of the most successful basketball players in history.
From his dominant college years at UCLA to his incredible NBA career, Abdul-Jabbar’s championships serve as a testament to his exceptional skills, leadership, and longevity in the sport.
FAQs – How Many Championships Does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Have?
1. How many championships did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win in college?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won three consecutive NCAA championships with the UCLA Bruins from 1967 to 1969.
2. How many NBA championships did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won a total of six NBA championships throughout his career.
3. Which team did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win his first NBA championship with?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his first NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970-1971 season.
4. How many NBA championships did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win with the Los Angeles Lakers?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
5. How many NBA Finals MVP awards did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar receive?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar received two NBA Finals MVP awards during his career.
6. Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win any championships after turning 40?
Yes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won his final NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1986-1987 season at the age of 40.
7. How many championships did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win in total?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won a total of nine championships, including three NCAA championships and six NBA championships.
8. How does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s championship record compare to other NBA players?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s championship record places him among the most successful NBA players of all time.
His six NBA championships tie him with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and he is surpassed only by Bill Russell, who won 11 championships.
9. Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win any championships as an individual player?
While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did not win any championships as an individual player, he received numerous accolades, including six NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and 19 NBA All-Star selections.
10. How did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s championships impact his legacy?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s championships solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
His ability to win at both the college and professional levels showcased his exceptional skills, leadership, and longevity in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball.
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