Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Bill Walton at Live Talks Los Angeles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Bill Walton at Live Talks Los Angeles, May 24, 2017, discussing his book, "Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court." For more info on Live Talks Los Angeles -- upcoming events, videos and podcast -- visit livetalksla.org and follow this channel on TH-cam
I've always hated it when people make fun of Bill Walton and his enthusiasm. I love it. He's an intelligent, humble, and kindhearted man, not to mention a very good interviewer. Oh yeah, when healthy one of the best centers to ever take the hardwood. Some say the greatest college basketball player of all-time.
Walton is the best
Love Walton's stories. He's so enthusiastic and positive about the game and about life in general.
He's intelligent? ... I'll give you enthusiastic. He followed the Greatful Dead all over the world. How many other Dead/heads are passing out suitcases of life wisdom? Those who forsook that lifestyle if any. His 1st question to Kareem .. "Acid" .. at least he showed his hand up front. Walton is likeable .. not a leader.
@@arcdestriumph586 Did I call him a leader? Does intelligence in a person mean I necessarily agree with their viewpoints? No to both. For example, some of the presidents in my lifetime often cited as being especially intelligent were, as I see it, lousy presidents. But some of Walton's opinions (the honor and respect he came to give John Wooden, for instance) I find insightful.
@@pnutbutrncrackers Walton in his 60's ... 1st question to Kareem is about Acid. Perhaps you could frame that mindset for me?. .. Wait... I'll do it ... Idiot speaking.
Both of these great men have actually gotten even greater as the years have passed. American treasures that aren't being made anymore.
Coach Wooden would have absolutely loved this. I can see him beaming now
Fabulous conversation between two of my heros. Seems they both grew right through their hair.
Bill truly loves admires and respects Kareem
He truly does
i agree with Bill -- Kareem is the GOAT!
Two great players. I don't care how you slice it. Thanks for sharing.
Kareem never fails to amaze me. A great basketball player, an even better man!
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , one of the greatest men ever. 👍
I was Privileged to watch many of the great centers in my lifetime. Russell, Wilt , Big E, Thurmond, Reed, Unseld , Cowans, Kareem, Walton, Hakeem, Parish, McHale and Sampson ! It's a shame that the game has forgotten about low post play ! The game was beautiful to watch back then ! The 3 point shot has taken the flow out of the game.
The flow? Couldn’t disagree more. I watched them all as well. And todays game is ten times more exciting than “throw to the big guy under the basket” game.
Disagree. Yes I miss the art of low post, but there are so many ways to play now. Also the game has an equally beautiful flow to it.
The game is ugly and monotonous now with too many threes and too much perimeter play
Kareem, best overall hoop career for high school, college and NBA. Thanks for being a Supreme Kareem. Much love to you while we can still express it to you.
You are right James I think he was the most accomplished player in basketball history
The REAL GOAT.....MJ very arguably might have had a more accomplished/ entertaining NBA career.But due to his longevity for success Kareem's career cannot be touched by ANYONE.Lebron comes close, but he didnt go to college, but what he did as an 18 yo NBA rookie is truly amazing.Both Kareem and Lebron far exceeded all the lofty expectations placed upon them....MJ had no such expectations....until he was a man in the NBA
26 years as the best in that overall span. In that respect it makes Kareem the GOAT!
His defense, rebounding and outlet passing made him above the rest. That intermediate bank shot was incredible. He played smart. For about seven years he was the best I ever saw.
Bill Walton always seems like a class act and a great ball player. He always shows his reverence to Kareem (rightfully so).
These two men bring forth a sobering sense of mutual respect, love, and friendship, for us to emulate. Two men of refreshing intellect sharing a special moment as brothers above all else.
I was so moved and inspired by their eloquence, as well.
My heartfelt thanks to both for uplifting us above mediocrity and self-service.
Ahh Bill you will be sorely missed, he just asks all the questions you & I would want to know & ask as normal human beings so sad to lose him.........
Two great big men. Bill truly idolizes Kareem. Big shoes at UCLA to fill and Bill did his best. Two fantastic human beings.
Two of the best ever. Their history will be bb history for a very long, long time, and their to gift to America will demonstrate their time through history as outstanding Americans!
I was sitting in the audience for this interview! It was an incredible evening. Before the interview began some of us were able to meet Kareem and Bill. Even there, you could see the difference as far as Bill being very outgoing and Kareem was extremely shy. When Kareem came onto the stage, it was obvious he was ill at ease, but Bill drew him out of his shell and you actually saw his body relax and Kareem began to become passionate about Coach Wooden. It was such a special evening. I actually took my father for an early Father’s Day present. He had been a long time UCLA fan, so I don’t know who enjoy the evening the most!
I am not worthy of a comment.
Kareem is one of my heroes. I love his mind and activism as much as his amazing basketball career.
Best interview I've ever watched. I've even greater respect for Kareem after watching this interview. I don't know why he is not in the GOAT conversation.
My point he is the 🐐. He carried the league in the 70s and was one of the greats in the 80s . 38 years old won MVP in the championship . Let’s see if LeBron James do that.
He is.
These two legends get a lot of respect, but not enough respect.
This is amazing! Two intelligent guys, enjoying talking about everything from religion, to politics, to sports - Wow!
garylocke1 we will never see athletes like this again.
Not with the one and done atmosphere that rates as an excuse for "college." While UCLA had some questionable, at best, practices in landing the top collegians year in and year out, there is no doubt of the positive influence Coach Wooden had in helping to mold men as well as athletes as people and citizens, not to mention the discipline and teamwork spirit that translates into sporting success.
They both accomplished a little more than just dribbling a basketball
Correct
Jabbar & Walton on Wooden how great and rare is that. Have there been any greater names in basketball than that?
An amazing conversation !
Two of my all time favorite players and humanatarians. . God bless you men!
.
Kareem is my favorite, but Bill Walton is a great interviewer. Great work.
Both Kareem and Bill are brillant guys
Two Dominant NCAA Centers, Both NBA MVP/Champions, Highly Intellectual... Cool Too....
And neither were controversial loudmouths getting into to trouble constantly (if ever, actually). Class personified from both men.
like 2 bottles of fine wine... seeing Walton and Kareem together after all these years is wonderful...the stories, knowledge they have, and basketball lore these 2 were a part of could fill a stadium
What a remarkable duo. Brilliant, personable, and oh so classy. Both UCLA Bruins, both students of history, both tutored by the great man Jon Wooden, both loved the sport of basketball and would have played it anywhere, for nothing, just for the sheer joy of it. Who' was the best center, at his 'height?"? That's my secret..Clearly, Jabbar had the superior career. Sure loved watching these guys play- saw every one of their games late night on KTLA. Those were the days..And by the way- the way both of these guys learned to speak so eloquently in public- Walton had a horrible stutter, and Kareem was shy to the point of muteness- just shows what great brains they have. Never be a pair of athletes like this again...
IF Bill hadn't gotten injured, the rivalry through the late 70's early 80's would have been epic..
Bill's body began to break down early in his career.
Donald Cummings thats true in 1977 Bill was the best player in the NBA the year he won the NBA Championship.
I agree completely.
@TheAstrius if he doesn't get injured, he probably stays in Portland because it was conflict over the medical staff's treatment of his injuries that caused him to demand a trade. The only other city I see a healthy Walton playing in is the city he demanded a trade to, his hometown San Diego. He's talked a lot about how much it hurts him that the Clippers left. He blames himself for it because they invested a lot in him and he was injured for like 80% of his time there so they sucked. Sterling moved them to LA while Walton was still a clipper and his hometown hasn't had nba basketball since
Mr Walton is self depreciating and doesn't have to be because he has accomplished as much or more than all the people he ever met he probably was trying to put people at ease because he was so great
A few years ago I was going through TV channels and on PBS here is this very tall bald black guy talking intelligently about politics. Kareem is so talented and so smart he deserves tremendous respect.
Kareem is one of the greatest Americans of this generation. One of my idols, a great human being, social justice warrior, nice person, total gentleman.
All true and as a Sonic fan……God I hated him.
But today I have nothing but the greatest admiration for him.
Maybe the only real GOAT.
Wow. This really is a beautiful conversation. Bill really steered the talk very well, but Kareem is a special special cat. Thanks for sharing. -KB
If Bill would never had gotten injured during his career he probably would have been in the top 5 all-time great centers in NBA history.
You're right Big H, the injuries did him in, but he will always be in my top 5. He was truly one of the most athletic centers to play the game. For those who never seen him play, he compares favorably to Olojawon.
The one guy I saw who could beat Kareem, is Bill Walton.
No doubt
@@JamesAllenJr Not really. Kareem dropped 40 on him on a regular basis. He even put 50 on him one time.
If Kermit Washington hadn't gotten hurt the Lakers could have beaten Portland in 77.
@@anthonyshepherd1832 I agree Walton was awesome but not as good as Olajawon. Hakeem was as good as anyone that ever played. Wilt wasnt better, Kareem wasnt better.
a great conversation between two of my favorite centers of all time!
Outstanding thought provoking questions by Bill Walton peppered with humor. Kareem gives great answers too. Great interview!
I’ve never realized how great of a person Kareem is!! Wow!!! Very intelligent man.
Great to see these two guys are good friends!
1. Jabbar at 38 years won finals MVP against arguably against best front line ever assembled.2. Jabbar has more assist than Jordan.3. Jabbar is thee only player who is in the discussion as the greatest HS player ever, the greatest college player ever, AND the greatest NBA player ever! No one but jabbar can claim to be in the discussion for all three!
jane john real talk
Ashok Hegde, Wilt averaged 8.8 blocks in film taken of 112 games. He blocked 26 shots vs Detriot, 17 in his first NBA game. March 18, 1968, vs Lakers, 53 points, 32 rebounds, 24 blocks, 13 assists, 11 steals. Wilt is definitely in the conversation, HS, college and NBA.
jane john, even better was Bill Russell, HS champion, UNDEFEATED in college at USF, 11 NBA rings, case closed...
Abdul-Jabbar, please.
I don't know about high school... but Bill Russell is THE ultimate Winner of Basketball, ALL TIME.
Bill and Kareem did a great job on this live talk....it was truthful and upfront.
These two guys mean a lot to me. When I was younger I worked in the anti-Vietnam War movement. The fact that Kareem and Bill both spoke out against the war inspired me. I've always loved basketball and to have these great players oppose the war gave me confidence in what I was doing. Today coaches Steve and Pop also make me feel good.
Two great ball players who deeply appreciate each other accomplishments, and the love for each other especially bill Walton obviously admire Kareem.
Wow Two great minds
Love these two guys.
An incredible testament to the influence John Wooden has had on his players and the type of young men he choose to recruit. Kareem and Bill, like too few others of influence, truly think and care for others who did not have their gifts and opportunity to make a difference, be it sports or everyday life. And each man shares concern for issues who do not apply to them. How many can say as much?
They are both good men that other men and women can learn from. There is no better testament to their lives than that.
A testament to the greatest basketball coach of all time.. KAREEM, The Best Ever. !! Great interview..
My Dad played trumpet Michael E. Ridley with Kareem’s Dad , same big band here in NYC.
Never seen Kareem being so personable. Good to see Cap opening up more and sharing his experience.
It is good to see to athletes talking intelligently like gentlemen and not like thugs
These 3 characters in this human story is a beautiful look into what
humanity should aspire for. I respect these men, especially NOW in
OUR chaotic and divided World. This isn't a story about Sports, but
beautiful human character. May we someday be ONE.
I like Kareem, and he is very lovable.
Kareem is amazing on and off the court. Love the gentle contest between these two.
Read this Book last Summer. One of the best I've ever read on any subject. Calling it a sports book doesnt do it justice. Beautiful tribute to John Wooden who coached & mentored Lewis Alcindor but befriended & understood Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Read West by West. I think it’s the best most honest jock book I ever read.
Bill Walton is one of the biggest "What If's" in NBA history, poor guy lost so much from injuries, up there with Tracey McGrady, Derrick Rose and Yao Ming, but at least Bill managed to make it to the Promised Land in what little time he had without injury.
Jabbar = GOAT!
For Sure....
Chamberlain.
I remember when jabbar was king of basketball 🏀, with his invincible weapon skyhook, but not think he is the greatest basketball player ever
@@lloydkline6946
I don't think he's the greatest basketball player ever I KNOW HE IS and it's not even close Kareem is the GOAT Russell next Look at his career from high school 4 championships in college 3 straight NCAA Championships took dunk out of college because of him MVP in all those championships 6 NBA Championships a Record 6 regular seasons MVP and the ALL time leading scorer in NBA History no doubt he's the GOAT
@@MrBishop1954 I think kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the best basketball career from high school to nba, it not fair to compare center position to point guard or forward , different era,1960s 1970s to 2000s 2010s, i still the Harlem globetrotters vs Minneapolis Lakers in the 1940s is the greatest basketball game ever. , jabbar has said there no greatest basketball player ever
I would like to have had the chance to ask a question: Why did Kareem not end up on the UCLA Dynasty HBO show
Love both of these Greats , Walton was a Force in College , NCAA Championships and Proved his Tallent when they won the NBA Championship with the Portland Trail Blazers , Kareem GOAT
Obviously coach Wooden was a major influence on these two as he was many others, but it’s never mentioned the impact their parents had! It seems to me they both had good parents and families also!
sweet !!! my dad played jazz with Kareem's dad back in the day here in NYC .
Back in 1975 as a young white kid, I wanted to shoot the sky hook like Kareen. I was just 6 feet tall. And it didn't matter. I practiced that shot in the cold with snow and ice on the court outside my house. God bless both Walton and Kareem.
What a Fascinating Interview! Two basketball greats, but intellectuals as well! I grew up in Los Angeles, a Laker Fan...Elgin Baylor was my Favorite Player. I feel grateful to have been able to stumble into this Video. Heartwarming for sure. How can you Not love both of them. The Sincerity is off the chart! ❤️
Walton is a true "legend" and he absolutely loves and admires Kareem
Kareem was a better scorer than Walton but Bill was a better passer than Jabbar. With that said, both players could score and pass at high level.
Amen;; The Greatest ballketball player in HISTORY,, hands down, high school collage NBA bucks lakers bruins........ !!!!!,, and he is like me a Leukemia survivor, Think about it the 3 greatest collage basketball player in history Bill Walton , is not the Greatest player in his collages history 2 no, by the way the Greatest collage players in history I say a tie, Pete Maravich, Lew Alcindor,,
kevin blanch great point !
kevin blanch, what about BILL RUSSELL? WILT CHAMBERLAIN?
College!
YOUR OPINION! I WAS A UCLA BRUIN FAN BEYOND BELIEF! LOVED LEW BUT BILL WAS EVEN BETTER!!!!! WATCHED BOTH ENJOYED BOTH!
Maravich, all those championships. Right.
Excellent interview
Nice interview, one important note: Kareem grew up with a Mother and Father, an intact family! As a bonus, Bill Russell as a role model, and props to the "Big O".
I always wondered why K didn't get a coaching job. Would like to have seen it.
Absolutely phenomenal interview. Very inspiring. I grew up watching sports when true athletes played. Haven’t watched professional sports in about 20 years now. I get more enrichment and enjoyment researching the historical legends like Kareem 🙏🏻 Thank you Bill for the incredible interview
I fell into being a hippie at an early age but never knew y I was one ? I’m very glad I was a hippie because their r not very many of us now ! ❤️🐰🐇🪽🕊️🌈☠️💀⚡️🎶 🥳🤩🐦🔥🐲🐉☄️🔥😘😍🥰love everything I get on here ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a pleasure to watch!
Where do you know this from? "Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes!"
Airplane.
Aeroplane!
Awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to see two great men who are great athletes and greater intellects.
Great Interview of the Greatest Basketball Ever !! Such a Humble and Highly Intelligent Human Being 👍🏀
Omg this was awesome I sat on the edge of my seat ,never heard him talk so much ,heard he was brilliant, now I get the full picture ❤
Two great players with stunningly different personalities……
Love them both tho Bill can get a bit nutty on occasion….
Thanks for uploading.
I live in Japan and it is great to see some great content on the internet!!
31:22--"The Andrew Bynum days...Wonderful times.." LMFAO!!! Walton had the best weed!
Love to see these two together. Most didn’t see how great a player was in Portland. The Boston version was a roll player. A good roll player but he was special in Portland
I have read several of Kareem's books and have the utmost respect for this incredible man!! I am not talking about his basketball prowess!!
where does Jabbar live these days? In the 80s I know he lived on Stone Canyon in BelAir (even passed by him one day on Stone Canyon while he was biking probably to nearby UCLA). That place later burned in a fire.
Geez Bill starting the interview awkward asking about LSD to start an interview.
You don't know Bill Walton.
Maximos Tiberius yes I do. I grew up in Portland when he was here. I’ve met him several times and talked numerous times as he visits frequently. What does it have to do with my comment or his comment? NOTHING
The dude was a hippy and still is a bit of one. While maybe not appropriate it is who he is. If you know so much about him how can you not somewhat expect this?? I've read his biography and I know his fascination with the culture. I mean people might be surprised initially but then say well it is Walton...sorry you're bent.
grigslove is 3000% correct. Yes, he's a hippie. START by talking about LSD? WTF.
My grandfather is old, he fought in WW2. Does that mean he STARTS every conversations with, "How do you feel about the Japs?!" No. Does that mean we EXPECT it, no! If it eventually happens, will it be awkward? Yes!
That opening question was inexplicable by common sense and politeness.
BW did a good job with this interview. The opening was awkward.
Bill, Lewis-Kareem and John Wooden - such great role models for me. U-C-L-A RA RA RA! Thanks for a fabulous interview.
Great conversation with two great people. Two opposite personalities but with great respect for each other. On the music issue, I have never cared much for the Dead but have loved Dizzy Gillespie and many other jazz greats since I was a kid, so I'm with Kareem on that. Both were great supporters and friends of caoch Wooden, three great people, who also were pretty good at basketball.
The best of the best. What these guys teach us is amazing.
Kareem is a great man..jim rome eat your heart out. the jungle is weak!!!! Kareem is a great man!!!!
what did that fucker say?
Speaking as a USC alum, there are so many shining lights that came from UCLA! Kareem, thank you for your beautiful soul. Bill, thank you for your love of life. In Christ Jesus, I am... Michael :)
Bill should have had Kareem read aloud the entire book start to finish with time for commentary after each sentence.
Back in the day, Kareem was sometimes characterized by the press as standoffish, aloof and suspicious. It is readily apparent, especially from interviews like this, that he's just very intelligent, thoughtful, reticent, a bit shy, but he doesn't suffer fools. Such a great interview. Oh, and his non-answer to the question by the girl who wanted to know at what point patience should be put aside when dealing with oppression...what a skillful dodge. At the same time, it was kind of a lame question. Did she really think that Kareem would call for armed revolt in the streets? Come on, man.
I got to see them both play in person. Lakers v. Clippers 19 and 83.
I was there when he scored the basket that made him the highest of all time [ I believe], anyway, it was an historic basket, giving his 25,000'th point.
@@thomaswilson7538 awesome!
Kareem is one of the few people Bill will shut up and listen to, and their mutual respect for each other and abiding admiration for coach wooden comes through clearly.
R.I.P. to the marvelous Bill Walton. . . I extend a respectful hat tip to both of you! A fitting tribute would be "Dark Star" by the Grateful Dead followed by Trane's "I Want To Talk About You."
I like how Bill references the Grateful Dead in this interview.
other commentators debate who is G.O.A.T, between Jordan and Lebron, my question is, why isn't Kareem in this conversation?
The stats speak for Kareem: all-time point leader, 6 season MVP are both records no other player has! :D
Kareem played against Bob the plummer most of the time. Russell was old, Wilt was old, Walton was good for 2 years. Kareem dominated a weak era. Magic carried those Laker teams in the 80s... lots of reasons.
@@rgb8289 You freaking Basketball idiot...Willis Reed, Nate Thurmond, Walton, McAdoo, Lanier, Sikma, Parish, Malone, Olajowon, Ewing, Unseld, Cowens. Weak era. ALL of those guys are in the Hall of Fame. While magic was on the Lakers, Kareem led the team in Scoring most of the time, rebounding most of the time, and Block shots EVERY time. Kareem and Magic: Who was carrying who here?
Joseph Wright preach to the young idiot with no knowledge of basketball, just what he was told , and whoever told him this is a idiot to. Besides Russell& Walt Bellemy who was Wilt's competition.Wilt was always biggest & tallest player on the court. Wilt was 7'1" or 2 Russell was 6'9" maybe 10" with sneakers on Bellemy was 6'10" or 11" depending on who measured him & he out weighted them both by 30-35 pounds depending what he ate before the game. SO GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT YOUNG'N!!!!!!!!😎😷
@@JAWrightonline Church , speaking straight facts 👍
Love both of these guys, great players and both very intelligent.
"If you don't have that love, compassion, and commitment, it's not gonna work." - Kareem Abdul Jabbar talking about the great John Wooden and The Pyramid of Success
Kareem is a role model, although US race relations is a painful and difficult topic, he delves in eloquently and articulately. Today, 3 years later on the heels of George Floyd's "murder" and civil unrest and protest, minorities are still being maltreated in many social realms but specifically in this case, interactions and excessive use of force by government police officers.
There is absolutely no evidence--none! that the George Floyd killing was in any way racially motivated.
Kareem is a humble guy who deserves the accolades he has received.
Some years ago I was flying from Nashville to Seattle and although we didn’t ride together on the plane we both pulled our luggage off the carousel at the same time, me and Kareem. It was during the days of no cell phones and he had to go to that bank of payphones and he was perhaps calling somebody to pick him up and didn’t look pleased about it My kids were so mad for me not getting an autograph
Go watch some old films of Kareem and Wilt and look at their stats. People talk about MJ and Lebron, maybe Kobe being the GOAT, but I'd pick these two as tops in my book.
Wilts stats are inflated because of how bad the league was his first few years . By the time he was 28 and still young the nba was vastly improving and his stats were not as good as say mj. And the league was still not as talented. Put mj in the 60s and even though his career scoring average right now is best of all time even though he played in the toughest era of basketball , its going to be even greater advantage. Probably looking at a career average of 40 ppg vs 30 for wilt. Thats why most people say mj is the goat. A career 30 ppg in the most brutal era of basketball.
@slip satch who says? Every expert on the face of the planet, thats who. The 60s and 70s had just as much expansion. The nba expanded 5 times during the 70s. More then it did during mjs entire career. Educate your self
@slip satch my first game was in 1966 Baltimore bullets.
@slip satch you dumbass when wilt came in to the league there was 8 teams . When he retired there was 17 , thats over doubling in size dimbass. Dont tell anyone smarter then you to educate themselves untill you do first dumbass. Lmao at you dumb dumb
@slip satch when mj came in to the league there was 23 teams by the time he retired the first team he had already lead the league in scoring 7 times a should have have 6 or 7 mvps and had 3 rings and the league had only grown 17 percent the league had grown over 100 percent from wilts time . Not to mention there was no more lmits on the amount of blacks that could be on a team. Ask questions boy. I will educate your dumbass
During their playing careers Walton and Abdul-Jabbar did not get along at all. There seemed to be jealousy in both directions. This disturbed John Wooden very much and they improved their relationship late in his life as they both remained in contact with Wooden.
What is your source?
Joseph Wright I followed both players from their college careers through the NBA. Walton and Abdul-Jabbar had some very famous fights early in Walton's career -- they even joke about them In this interview.
In the first 6-8 years of Kareem's career he was very thin, the "book" on him was to bump him, rough him up. He particularly felt white centers were allowed to beat the hell out of him, so he made a point to punch out guys who tried, like Kent Benson and Walton.
I'd like to know your source as well I'm from there era and never heard about this so called feud they were always respectful to one another both are two of my favorite centers of all time and Kareem is the Goat.