NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was reportedly hospitalized after falling and breaking his hip during a concert in Los Angeles, USA.
The 76-year-old former center, who is about 2.18 meters tall, was rushed to his aid by concertgoers and is currently being treated at the University of California Hospital (UCLA).
A statement made by Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime business partner Deborah Morales on the former basketball player’s social media did not specify which concert he attended.
“While at a concert last night, Kareem accidentally fell and broke his hip. He will undergo surgery today.”
Medical Statement from Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s longtime Business Partner, Deborah Morales
“Last night while attending a concert , Kareem had an accidental fall and broke his hip. He will have surgery today. We are all deeply appreciative of all the support for Kareem,…
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) December 16, 2023
According to KTLA, Abdul-Jabbar was scheduled to undergo surgery on Saturday.
Although Abdul-Jabbar began his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, he is best remembered as a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.
Abdul-Jabbar led Los Angeles to five NBA championships and held the NBA scoring record until he was surpassed by LeBron James in February. A 6-time NBA MVP, Jabbar has held the record for 39 years.
Abdul-Jabbar, a social activist and writer, announced in 2020 that he had prostate cancer. The famous basketball player said in 2009 that he had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer, the previous year.
Before leaving office, President Barack Obama awarded Abdul-Jabbar the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian decoration in the United States.
