Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has lived quite a storied life. The 75-year-old has witnessed some of history’s biggest milestones and tragedies. However, the Hall of Famer has never backed down from speaking out against prevalent issues plaguing society. Time and again, the 6x NBA champion has openly expressed his candid thoughts on various platforms. Similarly, on the back of his illustrious journalistic and cogent writing experience, the Los Angeles Lakers legend released his autobiography?Becoming Kareem?in late 2017. Likewise, to discuss the book and further outline his tumultuous life, the 2x NBA Finals MVP appeared on?The Daily Show in?2018.?

Consequently, while reflecting on his eventful journey, the 19x All-Star revealed the misunderstood reason behind a major decision in his life. Moreover, he also paid tribute to two larger-than-life figures to who he related to.?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar disproves major stigma?

Before becoming the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whom we all know and love, the Milwaukee Bucks legend came a long way from the harsh streets of Harlem, New York. Moreover, certain life-changing experiences also prompted him to change his religion to Islam at an early age. Likewise, Abdul-Jabbar reflected on his decision to convert to Islam and the implication on his life on The Daily Show.?Moreover, he also revealed how a major misunderstood reason distorted his actual beliefs.

He said,?” I became interested in Islam, and, became Muslim. But, that was my thought process. I-It wasn’t me taking a stance against, America, but it was a position of for myself right, for my own identity that-that I wanted to assume, not something that was imposed on me”.?

Read More -??One of the Nominations Was Actually Bad?: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Exposes Dark Truths of the Oscars and Expresses Big Disappointment

Furthermore, he talked about contemporary issues and also paid tribute to two larger-than-life figures with whom he shared most of his beliefs and activism.?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar speaks on Colin Kaepernick and Barack Obama?

Ever since retiring from the NBA almost three decades ago, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has resorted to an active lifestyle of combatting major issues plaguing the lives of African Americans and society in general. Likewise, the 6x MVP shared his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick. He also compared his actions to Kaepernick’s. He said,?“It was the same exact thing. They wanted to change the subject because they didn’t like to talk about the fact that, too many black Americans end up dead for no good reason at the hands of police…most people don’t want to talk about that. That’s a very, intense and, difficult problem to solve.”

However, the former NBA star did not only harp on the problems. He also pointed out the major breakthroughs over the past few years. While doing so, he connected his argument with the election of Barack Obama and felt grateful for the progress. He said,?“I found a lot of breakthroughs. Look at it; President Obama could not have been elected -without that type of breakthrough. Without people being able to see him for his character and his positive attributes and not being upset about the color of his skin…”

Watch the Story – How many All-Star games did Kobe Bryant play?

What are your thoughts on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s thoughts on these two figures? Let us know in the comments below.?