Somehow, despite arguably the greatest player in NBA history, Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still doesn't get the credit he deserves.
It's probably why a guard/forward obsessed fanbase should separate “centers” — especially the pre-2010 variety — as a totally different category when discussing GOATs.
Anyway, the NBA knows that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is all that and a bag of chips. It's why the league is founding an award in his honor to celebrate a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and upholding values of equality, respect and inclusion. As importantly, the winner of the award will select an organization to receive a $100,000 contribution on his behalf.
Article Continues BelowOf course there will be some weird, misunderstood backlash, as people will bypass the Lakers great's history as a person trying to spark change and evolution. Couple that with wackos cringing whenever they see stuff about social justice, and your uncle Benny will surely have his panties in a bunch.
Circling back to what also matters here: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest center in the history of the sport. A real, sincere argument can be made that he was as good/dominant as LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Nevertheless, you guys aren't ready for that conversation just yet.
For now, just make sure you put some respect on the Laker icon's name.