NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar undergoes heart surgery

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underwent a quadruple bypass surgery Thursday.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had to undergo a quadruple bypass heart surgery on his 68th birthday Thursday, but luckily the former NBA superstar and Hall 0f Famer is expected to make a full recovery.

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Abdul-Jabbar’s surgery took place at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after he was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease according to the statement released by the hospital:

"“[Dr. Richard] Shemin said the surgery was successful and he expects Abdul-Jabbar to make a full recovery.At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received. He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon.He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest.For those wanting to send well wishes, he thanks you in advance and asks that you support those in your own community who may be suffering from various health issues.”"

Abdul-Jabbar is asking people to support individuals in their own communities who may have health issues as well, adding to the great character that he has shown throughout his career and in his post-NBA life.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most elite players to ever play in the NBA, making the skyhook shot famous. He was selected first overall in the 1969 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks out of UCLA and played 20 seasons in the NBA with the Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a six-time NBA champion and six-time MVP and he was an All-Star in 19 of the 20 seasons he played. At 7’2, he’s one of the best centers to ever play in the NBA, and is the all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.

In case you forgot just how great Abdul-Jabbar was during his time in the NBA:

Both of Abdul-Jabbar’s former teams took to Twitter to wish him well on Friday:

It’s a shame that Abdul-Jabbar had to spend his birthday in surgery, but we wish him well on making a full recovery.

h/t Dime Mag

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