When people talk about the best players in NBA history, Lebron James and Michael Jordan have been the most discussed (in recent memory).

That said, one player who arguably does not get enough attention is Los Angeles Lakers legend (and Basketball Hall of Famer) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Recently, Dwight Howard spoke about Abdul-Jabbar (via Above The Rim with DH 12, h/t HoopsHype).

Howard: “Kareem could be considered one of the GOATS, but he not with Nike, so they don’t talk about him in the GOAT conversation. They only talk about players who wear Nike shoes in the GOAT conversation.”

After winning three National Championships at UCLA, Abdul-Jabbar spent 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks (and Lakers).

His career averages were 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per contest while shooting 55.9% from the field in 1,560 games.

The 77-year-old won six NBA Championships and was named to 19 All-Star Games.

Abdul-Jabbar was the first pick 1969 NBA Draft.

He retired after the 1989 season.

Via Ballislife.com (on April 7, 2022): “OTD (69) Bucks selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the 1st pick (won with a coin toss) in the NBA Draft

ROOKIE
28.8 PTS, 14.5 REB
Rookie Of The Year
All-Star
All-NBA 2nd
All-Defense 2nd

2ND SEASON
Scoring Champion
All-NBA 1st
MVP
Finals MVP
Champion”

OTD (69) Bucks selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the 1st pick (won with a coin toss) in the NBA Draft

ROOKIE
28.8 PTS, 14.5 REB
Rookie Of The Year
All-Star
All-NBA 2nd
All-Defense 2nd

2ND SEASON
Scoring Champion
All-NBA 1st
MVP
Finals MVP
Champion pic.twitter.com/OGTOvyZ5Sa

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 7, 2022

As for Howard, he also spent time with the Lakers (three times).

During the 2020 season, he helped the franchise win the NBA Championship over the Miami Heat.