Top 5 Laker Performances in the NBA All-Star Game
By Harry Burden
Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA;
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the leading scorer in Milwaukee Bucks and NBA history, waves to fans during game against the Utah Jazz at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1980 – 17 pts/16 rbs/9 asts/6 blks/ .353 FG%
By the end of 1980, Kareem would collect his sixth MVP award, seventh All-NBA first team place, fourth All-Defensive first team spot, and his second NBA championship. In the All-Star game’s 30th edition, the 7”2 center’s performance on-court was as strong as his statline.
Totalling five offensive rebounds, more assists than Magic Johnson and Julius Erving combined, and a total of six blocks, an all-star record that stands to this day, Kareem was robbed of his first ASG MVP award, an accolade that escaped him due to the West’s implosion in overtime.
Abdul-Jabbar holds the All-Star game career records for appearances [18], minutes played [449] and blocks [31] – amongst others – yet he has never taken home the coveted MVP award.
It seems like a travesty, but after a decade of fine outings, he had already become a legend of the contest; this was undoubtedly Kareem at his all-star peak.