Two-time champion Bill Walton recently succumbed to his battle against cancer, leading many personalities in the NBA to mourn his passing. Among those who have expressed their grief is Los Angeles Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Unknown to many, the former UCLA standout has been struggling against the said disease while providing commentary for PAC-12 college games. Before that, the former champion served as a commentator and sports analyst for ABC, ESPN, and the Los Angeles Clippers, among others.
The skilled center first made waves when he led UCLA to a pair of NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973. By 1974, the Portland Trail Blazers used their number one pick in that year’s draft to select the talented big man. Although his rookie campaign was marred by injuries, the big man bounced back in year three to lead his team to winning the Finals in 1977.
After his four year run in Portland, the UCLA star played for both the San Diego and Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics. During that final run of his career, the former number one pick won Sixth Man of the Year and his second ring during the 1985-86 season. A year later, he retired from the NBA and moved on to provide analysis and commentary for the league.
Former NBA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bids Bill Walton Goodbye
Walton’s passing has spurred different personalities to pay their tribute to the late legend, including ex-United States president Barack Obama and NBA analyst Charles Barkley. Among those who have reacted to the former champion’s death is Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a message he posted on X.
Today I had to say goodbye to
a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgY— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 27, 2024
Over the decades, Abdul-Jabbar and Walton developed a friendship after their playing years were over. The two All-Star big men both played for UCLA and become rivals when the latter played for the Celtics in the 80s. With the former Portland Trail Blazers star now gone, the Lakers icon is now one of the few left from his generation of stars.
Walton’s passing has definitely left a void due to the impact he made on the league and its players. His also proved to everybody that no amount of adversity can hinder a player from performing well on and off the court. Without a doubt, he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and peers.
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