Playing under his given name for his first two seasons in the NBA, he took on the name Kareem Adbul-Jabbar (Arabic for noble, powerful servant) in 1971, making an announcement on May 1st, the day after the Bucks swept the finals against the Baltimore Bullets. After playing a few seasons with the Bucks, Jabbar felt he did not fit in with Milwaukee society and requested a trade to either Los Angeles or New York. In 1975, the trade was made with the Lakers for reserve center Walt Wesley and Jabbar in exchange for center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters, and rookies Dave Myers and Junior Bridgeman.

Jabbar remained uninjured through most of his professional career, only breaking his hand twice. Besides basketball, Jabbar was involved in a rigorous yoga routine and studied both kung fu and Jeet Kune Do style under Bruce Lee. He's had several television and movie roles, also making guest appearances on television as himself, and has done a fair amount of coaching.

Kareem is retired now and remains a Lakers legend to this day. A great deal of greats passed through the Lakers over the years but Jabbar will always be known as one of the best. He is known for the "hook" shot.