Wilt Chamberlain-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Beef Gets Mirrored Decades Later in Lakers Legend’s Equation With LeBron James

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had crossed paths with the legendary Wilt Chamberlain way before the two locked horns on the court. When a 13-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar met Wilt Chamberlain, the latter developed a liking for him and even took the 13-year-old as his protege. Years later, when Abdul-Jabbar shared the stage with Chamberlain, the once warm relationship started to become a rift. The rift aggravated further when Wilt retired and started to scrutinize Abdul-Jabbar’s game. Interestingly, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s equation with Wilt Chamberlain has an uncanny resemblance to his equation with LeBron James.

During his career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made history as he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and became the all-time leading scorer. Decades later, LeBron James rewrote history by breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record and is now the scoring leader. Apart from the bizarre scoring record-connection, there is more to this saga involving the three Lakers.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s equation with LeBron James is a repetition of history

When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had started his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Wilt Chamberlain had already retired from the league. Chamberlain, however, paid close attention to Abdul-Jabbar’s game in LA. Moreover, Chamberlain never shied away from vehemently calling out Abdul- Jabbar for underwhelming performances.

Chamberlain’s critique took a toll on Abdul-Jabbar, and he even gave back a scathing reply to the person who was once his idol. However, the 6x-NBA champion broke Chamberlain’s scoring record in 1984 and Chamberlain showed up to commend his successor’s milestone feat.

Years later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did to LeBron James what Wilt Chamberlain had once done to him. The ‘Showtime Laker’ extensively scrutinized and criticized LeBron for his game and his actions on and off the court.

LeBron had even once said, “No thoughts and no relationship,” when he was asked about his equation with the Lakers veteran. Interestingly, just like Abdul-Jabbar broke his critic Wilt Chamberlain’s record, LeBron James went on to break Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record.

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Back in 1984, when Wilt Chamberlain showed up to commend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s feat, both the legends appeared aloof. Besides, Chamberlain did not dress up for the ceremony. He showed up in a black tank top. When LeBron James had recently broken Abdul-Jabbar’s record, the latter did not appear aloof during the ceremony.

He had also dressed up, unlike Wilt Chamberlain. However, before LeBron broke his record, Abdul-Jabbar was asked to share his thoughts on LeBron possibly breaking his record. The 6x-NBA champion had then appeared seemingly aloof.

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What are your thoughts on this interesting case of history repeating itself? Let us know in the comments below!