When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left the game in 1989 at age 42, no NBA player had ever scored more points, blocked more shots, won more MVP awards, played in more All-Star games or logged more seasons. His basketball resume is unrivaled, combining individual honors and a record of winning that make him arguably the most successful player in league history. Players ten years his junior couldn't keep up with Abdul-Jabbar, whose strict physical-fitness regimen was years ahead of its time in the NBA. But if others have since emulated his fitness regimen, no player has ever duplicated his trademark "sky-hook." The unstoppable shot became one of the most effective weapons in all of sports. An all-around player, Kareem brought grace, agility, and versatility to the center position, which had previously been characterized solely by power and size.
On the court, especially in his later years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kareem was also known for his protective eye goggles. The pair offered here is attributed to Kareem's game usage in the mid-1980's at the tail end of his career. This Breveté France brand of clear plastic goggles with rubber nose padding is indicative of the style Kareem was known to wear according to game images and previous examples sold in the hobby. Renowned Lakers collector and SCP Auctions founder David Kohler, who owns a few pairs of Kareem game-worn goggles himself, further attests to their authenticity. Both James Worthy and Kareem wore goggles during the Lakers Showtime era, but only Kareem would use white tape on both ends behind the ears to fasten an elastic strap. Worthy used a strap with pre-wrap, but no tape. The ends of these have white tape remnants leading us to believe they are indeed Kareem's. "BREVETE - PAT. PEND." is stamped on the left arm and "FRANCE - DEP. INT." is stamped on the right arm. Unfortunately, the patented black elastic strap is missing. According to the consignor, they were originally sourced from a former Lakers ball boy prior to 1987. Outstanding piece from the NBA's all-time scoring leader.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.