Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, smiling during pregame festivities last year at Dodger Stadium to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day, sees potential for growth with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won an NBA title in 1971. (Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer)
The man who once shied away from the press suddenly has embraced it.
Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will host a one-hour show on SiriuxXM NBA Radio at 4 p.m. PST on Wednesday, previewing both the 2014 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. It appears likely Abdul-Jabbar will address more than just on Gregg Popovich’s coaching, Tim Duncan’s longevity or LeBron James’ dominance.
He might dive into with his issue that James touted himself as a future candidate on the so-called Mt. Rushmore among NBA greats. Abdul-Jabbar may reflect on his own storied 20-year career that entailed six NBA championships, including five with the Lakers, five MVP’s and a the top place on the league’s all-time scoring list. Abdul-Jabbar may analyze the Lakers’ offseason, including their coaching search, upcoming NBA Draft and the uncertainty surrounding Kobe Bryant’s health. Abdul-Jabbar will also provide his two cents on current NBA issues, including embattled Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racially charged comments and the league aiming to increase the age limit for draft prospects to enter the NBA.
For sure, Abdul-Jabbar will plug his own projects. He plans to release his ninth book this year and also partnered with Starguard Collectibles, which has sold some of his sports memorabilia, including an acrylic painting of the former UCLA star and his inked fingerprint on a signed basketball for $5,600.
The show will also be rebroadcast on June 5 at midnight ET/9:00 pm PT and will also be available on SiriusXM On Demand. The special will be co-hosted by SiriusXM NBA Radio’s Joel Meyers.
RELATED:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scoffs at LeBron James’ “Mt. Rushmore”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believes Kobe Bryant’s “body is breaking down”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shows interest linking with Milwaukee Bucks ownership group
Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com