LOS ANGELES:The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Friday, unveiling a statue of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in his trademark sky-hook pose outside their Staples Center arena.
Abdul-Jabbar became the sixth Los Angeles sports figure memorialized with a statue outside the downtown arena, joining fellow NBA greats Magic Johnson and Jerry West, the NHL’s “Great One” Wayne Gretzky, boxer Oscar de la Hoya and longtime Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn.
“I’m very glad we got here before the pigeons got to it,” quipped Abdul-Jabbar after he pulled the cord to unveil the nearly 16-foot (4.9m) tall likeness.
“You should have had the first statue,” said Johnson, who was on hand for the unveiling along with Pat Riley, who coached both Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar on the “Showtime” era Lakers who won five titles in the 1980s.
“It was on your back that we’re here at Staples Center,” Johnson said.
Abdul-Jabbar, a towering 2.18m center who changed his name from Lew Alcindor after leading Milwaukee to the 1971 NBA title, scored 38,387 points in 1,560 games over a 20-year NBA career and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player six times.
Since retiring from the NBA in 1989, he has focused on raising awareness of African-American history and campaigning for socio-economic justice.
Civil rights activist Richard Lapchick, whose father, Joe, coached the New York Knicks, congratulated Abdul-Jabbar “not only for the statue but for a life well-lived.”
While the ceremony prior to the Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns recalled some of the Lakers’ greatest glory days, Abdul-Jabbar voiced the hope that Los Angeles’ current star-studded but struggling lineup could emerge from the turmoil of a controversial coaching change and establish themselves as title contenders.
The crowd cheered as he urged the Lakers to beat the Suns. Kobe Bryant and company then obliged, capping Abdul-Jabbar’s big night with a 114-102 victory.
LA Lakers honor Abdul-Jabbar with statue
LA Lakers honor Abdul-Jabbar with statue
Historic FIFAe Finals 25 conclude with France crowned world’s best nation in Rocket League
- FIFAe Finals 25 took place from Dec. 10-19 in Riyadh
- France crowned champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League
RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded on Friday as France were crowned champions at the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League, closing out eight days of football esports competition and entertainment in Riyadh.
The French team, consisting of Zen, Vatira and Juicy, delivered a standout performance from the group stage to the final, combining exceptional skills, perfect team chemistry and nerves of steel in high-pressure moments.
The competition marked the grand conclusion of the FIFAe Finals 25, the pinnacle event in football esports, bringing teams from around the world to challenge for multiple titles together under one roof.
With 250 matches across eight competition days, a $450,000 prize pool, millions tuning in online and record-breaking social media numbers, the event set new benchmarks in its 2025 edition.
“This year’s FIFAe Finals truly united the world by connecting the next generation of fans with the sport we all love. By creating the biggest global stage for national team–based football esports, we are shaping a new era of entertainment — one that combines national pride, competitive excellence and the universal passion for football and gaming,” said Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA secretary general.
“Congratulations to all world champions for their outstanding achievements in an unforgettable, spectacular atmosphere. As we continue to unite the entire football family, we encourage all our member associations, players, fans and stakeholders to join us in 2026 for an exciting new chapter.”
With 94 nations and millions of players on the Road to Riyadh, the FIFAe ecosystem demonstrated a new level of national team–based esports throughout the year. The season reached its climax at the SEF Arena in Riyadh.
The FIFAe Finals 25 concluded with three historic champions:
- Thailand: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Mobile
- Poland: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball Console
- France: Champions of the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League
