Lakers News: Kareem Underwent Coronary Bypass Surgery

It’s officially the off-season for the Los Angeles Lakers and after finishing with the worst record in franchise history, it can only get better from here. The focus now shifts to the NBA Draft Lottery, where the Lakers are hoping they can keep their pick.

The Lakers haven’t had much good news lately, but today that changed. Legendary Laker and the all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underwent successful coronary bypass surgery.

Jabbar was dealing with a cardiovascular disease and needed surgery to correct the problem. The former Bruin great went to his old stomping grounds, UCLA, to fix the issue and receive the surgery.

According to Dr. Richard Shemin, UCLA’s chief of cardiac surgery, Jabbar will make a full recovery and will be able to return to his normal life. Jabbar was very thankful for all the support and he wants everyone to appreciate life and support all the other people dealing with medical issues.

Here’s the official press release from UCLA Health:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center this week with cardiovascular disease, and he underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery on April 16. The operation was performed by Dr. Richard Shemin, UCLA’s chief of cardiac surgery.

Shemin said the surgery was successful and he expects Abdul-Jabbar to make a full recovery.

At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received. He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon.

He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest.

For those wanting to send well wishes, he thanks you in advance and asks that you support those in your own community who may be suffering from various health issues.

There will be no media interviews or additional information from Abdul-Jabbar, his physician or his spokesperson. However, news media planning stand-ups at the hospital must park news vans in the southbound lane of Westwood Boulevard, south of Westwood Plaza, between Le Conte Avenue and Med Plaza Circle (in the far right lane).

Next: Is History On Lakers Side For No. 1 Pick?

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