Hoops Habit
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NBA: 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history

By Jerran Anderson

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks/Los Angeles Lakers

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. By the end of his career, he was a legend in the eyes of Los Angeles Lakers fans. Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, six MVP awards, three as a member of the Bucks and three as a member of the Lakers. He’s the only player in league history to win six regular season MVP awards.

The seven-footer averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest through 13 seasons for the “Showtime” Lakers. He won five NBA titles while wearing the purple and gold, including two Finals MVPs. While he was a prolific scorer, his patented shot is what made him impossible to defend.

“The Sky Hook” is part of the reason he is the all-time leader in the NBA in points (38,387) and field goals (15,837). As the primary rebounder, Abdul-Jabbar was a catalyst in one of the greatest offensive attacks in league history. He ranks third all-time in league history in total rebounds (17,440) as well.

Abdul-Jabbar remains as one of the best centers in the league. His ability to make plays is a big reason for that. He was also a force on the defensive end, which catapulted the Lakers into a dynasty during the 1980s.