Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers Icon, Sustains Unintentional Injury and Fractures Hip
NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hospitalized with a broken hip following an unfortunate accidental fall
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was taken to a Los Angeles hospital on December 15th after suffering a hip fracture from a fall. His longtime business manager, Deborah Morales, confirmed the incident in a statement on December 16, explaining that Abdul-Jabbar had fallen and broken his hip while attending a concert the night before. She also revealed that he would undergo surgery that day.
Morales expressed deep gratitude for the support for Kareem, specifically thanking the Los Angeles Fire Department for their assistance on site. She also praised the exceptional medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital for their care of Kareem. TMZ was the first to report the news of the NBA legend's fall.
Abdul-Jabbar, 76, began his NBA career as a center for the Milwaukee Bucks, playing from 1969 to 1975. He then transferred to the Los Angeles Lakers where he played from 1975 to 1989, concluding his impressive 20-year playing career.
Former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has maintained a prominent presence in the basketball world even after his playing days. In addition, he has been vocal about a range of societal issues, including those related to his personal health.
Earlier this month, Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation following years of experiencing irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
"I initially thought it was just a temporary problem," he told People in February. "But when I started feeling unwell at a baseball game, I realized I needed to take it more seriously. I was an athlete and in good shape, so I didn't think it would affect me for long. I was mistaken."
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Abdul-Jabbar also wrote an essay for WebMD addressing the significance of healthcare for Black Americans. He shared that he had battled prostate cancer and leukemia, as well as undergoing bypass heart surgery in recent years.
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"I've been lucky that my fame has provided me with the means to access top-notch medical care. No one wants to be responsible for the death of an NBA icon. Just imagine the negative Yelp reviews," he stated. "While I appreciate my privileges, I understand that many in the Black community do not have the same opportunities. It is up to me to stand with those fighting to make a difference because Black lives are in danger. Very dangerous."
Abdul-Jabbar further argued that the health care system presents a more harmful and subtle threat to the health, lives, and economic stability of Black Americans. Despite being in dire need of medical services, they are receiving the lowest level of care.
