Today in Sports History: June 9

In 1985, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Championship at the Boston Garden, 111-100. Abdul-Jabbar was named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) as the Lakers won 4-2 within the series. 

Abdul-Jabbar played from 1969 until 1989. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks for the majority of his career and finished his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 24.6 points per game, 11.6 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game. 

Abdul-Jabbar was awarded MVP, a record-breaking six times. He was a 20-time NBA All-Star and has won six NBA championships as a player and two as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

He was also named an 15-time All-NBA, 11-time All-Defensive Team, 6-time NBA Sporting News Most Valuable Player of the Year, 7-time NBA Player of the Week, two-time NBA Player of the Month, one-time NBA Rookie of the Year, and one-time All-Rookie Team.

Once retired, Abdul-Jabbar was inducted and enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 for his outstanding accomplishments and incredible playing and post-playing career.