What was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's birth name and why did he change it?

Many fans know Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the legendary big man who currently holds the all-time record for points. Before making a name for himself as Kareem, he was first known as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.

Kareem changed his name back in 1971 after he converted to Islam. According to Abdul-Jabbar, he was inspired by Malcolm X and secretly changed his name back in 1968 and made it known to the public two years later. He was 24 years old when he changed his name.

He shared the story with comedian Trevor Noah on why he decided to change his name.

"We come out very damaged. And in order to repair, we have to re-assert our identity. So, the fact that I believed in Christianity my whole life, I decided I wanted to change my name to something that had to do with the type of theism they practice in Africa, to some degree."

"I became interested in Islam, and became Muslim. But that was my thought process, it wasn't me taking as stance against America. But it was a position for my self, for my own identity."

Also read: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's kids: Meet the next generation of the NBA legend

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wll be passing the torch to LeBron James tonight

LeBron James is on his way to breaking the scoring record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers legend was seen present in their bout and was sitting courtside.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is in the building!
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(🎥: @NBA) https://t.co/jSj3abt71b

Kareem has held the record since he retired back in 1989.

Also read: Watch: LeBron James practices Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook during pre-game routine