When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left the game in 1989 at age 42, no NBA player had ever scored more points (38,387), blocked more shots (3,189), won more league MVP’s (6), or played in more All-Star games (19) than the 7’ 2” legend known affectionately as "Cap." A cerebral player whose strict physical-fitness regimen was years ahead of its time, Kareem brought grace, agility and versatility to the center position, which had previously been characterized solely by size and power. His basketball resume is unrivaled, combining individual honors and a record of winning in college and the pros that make him arguably the most successful basketball player ever. Through it all, the protective goggles Kareem donned on the court became as much a branding trademark of his mystique as his unstoppable "sky hook."
Several of Kareem’s game-used goggles have hit the auction block, but never before has there been a pair tied to a more important game from his storied career. On April 5, 1984, Kareem set the NBA’s all-time scoring record by surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s mark of 31,419 career points. The quiet giant scored 22 on 10-14 shooting as the L.A. Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 129-115 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas (Jazz played 11 home games there that season due to low attendance in Salt Lake City). Fittingly, the record-breaking basket came on a patented sky hook over the outstretched arms of Utah's 7' 4" center, Mark Eaton. Would it have happened any other way?
Autographed and inscribed by Kareem with the “4/5/84” date of this milestone game in nearly perfect blue marker, this offered pair matches the style he wore that game to a tee. A 100% conclusive photo-match is difficult to make with such surprisingly few images available; however shots like Getty 482331269 while being interviewed by a young David Stern after the game certainly don't refute this as "the" pair. Displaying evident wear, the clear plastic Breveté France goggles have a beige rubber nose pad with white medical tape at the arm ends that secure a black elastic support band. “--T. PEND” [Brevete - Pat. Pend.] is visible on one arm with “FRANCE--” [France - Dep. Int.] on the other, the rest of the brand stampings obscured by the tape.
A detailed letter of provenance explains the background of the goggles, which were initially gifted by Kareem to former Lakers owner Jerry Buss. The late Dr. Buss then passed them down to a longtime Japanese assistant from his booming real estate investment business. The pair was eventually donated to the Japan America Society of Southern California, whose Board of Directors has consigned this historic piece to raise money for the organization. Renowned Lakers collector and SCP Auctions founder David Kohler, who owns a few pairs of Kareem’s game-used goggles himself, further attests to their authenticity. Full LOA from PSA/DNA for autograph and inscription.