It appears that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is going to get his wish. Back in May, the Lakers legend expressed frustration with the organization for not dedicating a statue outside the Staples Center in his honor. Modest? Not exactly, but Abdul-Jabbar did lead the Lakers to five NBA championships and win six league MVP awards. Former Lakers Magic Johnson and Jerry West currently have statues outside the arena, and Kareem is reportedly next.
According to the LA Times, the Lakers are planning to unveil a statue featuring the Hall of Fame center at some point next season. Apparently they feel it will be appropriate to honor one of the best big men in team history during a season in which another potential Hall of Famer, Dwight Howard, is being added to the mix.
The problem many have is not with the statue but the way in which Kareem has handled himself. He made the following argument during an interview a few months ago.
“I don’t understand (it). It’s either an oversight or they’re taking me for granted,” Abdul-Jabbar explained. “I’m not going to try to read people’s minds, but it doesn’t make me happy. It’s definitely a slight. I feel slighted.”
Those comments were nothing compared to the tweet he sent out last year.
“Rumor has it that I will be getting a statue,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote. “A caveat for all my fans — don’t hold your breath. Lakers don’t care about me.”
Somebody call the whambulance. I’d rather not have a statue than have people think the only reason I got one is because I cried about it so much. But hey, that’s just me.
