Los Angeles Lakers to Unveil Statue for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

This Friday, at long last, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will get the statue he publicly griped about not having. Per the Lakers’ team website: “Public is Invited to Ceremony Featuring Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Jerry West, James Worthy, Pat Riley, Richard Lapchik, Eddie Doucette and Others to Honor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Prior to Unveiling STAPLES Center’s Newest Statue. The unveiling of a nearly 16’ tall, 1,500 lb. bronze statue of legendary Los Angeles Lakers and NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Star Plaza at STAPLES Center. The statue, created by renowned sculptors/artists Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, will join other iconic sculptures of celebrated Los Angeles sports superstars Wayne Gretzky, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Jerry West, Chick Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya. The ceremony, which is open free to the public, will be highlighted by speeches from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other individuals who were his teammates, colleagues and friends during his unprecedented career and will conclude with a climactic unveiling of the statue. Speakers include Stu Lantz (emcee), Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, James Worthy, Jerry West, Pat Riley, Eddie Doucette, Richard Lapchik, Jeanie Buss, Tim Leiweke. Former teammates, coaches along with friends and family of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will also be in attendance.”