NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar breaks hip at concert
The former centre, 76-years-old and seven feet two inches tall, is now recovering at UCLA hospital
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was reportedly taken to hospital after falling and breaking his hip at a concert in Los Angeles.
The former centre, who is 76 years old and 7’2”, was helped by venue staff and is now recovering at UCLA hospital.
A statement put out by Mr Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime business partner Deborah Morales on his social media did not specify which concert he had been attending.
“Last night while attending a concert , Kareem had an accidental fall and broke his hip. He will have surgery today,” the statement read.
“We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem, especially from the Los Angeles Fire Department who assisted Kareem on site and the amazing medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are taking great care of Kareem now.”
Mr Abdul-Jabbar was scheduled to undergo surgery on Saturday, according to KTLA.
Mr Abdul-Jabbar began his NBA career in 1969 with the Milwaukee Bucks, though he is best remembered as a critical player with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.
He led Los Angeles to five NBA championships and held the NBA all-time scoring record until being surpassed by LeBron James in February. He is a six-time NBA MVP, and held the record for 39 years.
A social activist and writer, Mr Abdul-Jabbar revealed in 2020 that he had prostate cancer. In 2009, he said he was diagnosed the previous year with chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood.
Before leaving office, president Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest honor for civilians.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments