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LA Lakers legend Jamaal Wilkes always knew that LeBron would surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For Jamaal Wilkes, winning has never been about headlines—it’s been about consistency, timing, and doing whatever the moment requires. From his UCLA days under John Wooden to his role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty, Wilkes built a résumé defined by championships and adaptability.
In a recent appearance on Scoop B Radio, the Hall of Famer reflected on his career, iconic moments, and the evolution of the modern NBA. One of the standout discussions centered on Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, in which Wilkes delivered 37 points and 10 rebounds in a title-clinching win.
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Despite that performance often being overshadowed by Magic Johnson’s historic night at center, Wilkes made it clear he’s at peace with how history remembers it.
“You know, I hear that,” Wilkes said. “But I also feel like I get my due… had we lost that game, it would’ve bothered me a lot more.”
That Finals game became legendary not just for the numbers, but for how the Lakers adjusted after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went down with an ankle injury. Johnson’s shift to center is still talked about today, but Wilkes noted it wasn’t as shocking internally as it may have seemed.
“He was a 6’9”, 6’10” point guard,” Wilkes explained. “He was already down there a lot. We had confidence in him.”
Looking at today’s game, Wilkes sees echoes of that versatility in players like Nikola Jokić, highlighting how modern stars can handle multiple roles on the floor. It’s a style that mirrors what those Lakers teams were already experimenting with decades ago.
Wilkes also revisited his early days with the franchise, including his first interactions with Jerry West, and how his own skill set developed. Though he often played forward, his shooting ability set him apart—something that translated seamlessly across different systems and teams.
“It was a special time,” Wilkes said of the Showtime era. “I felt privileged just to be a part of it.”
When the conversation turned to scoring records, Wilkes offered a measured perspective on LeBron James surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time mark. Rather than surprise, there was a sense of inevitability.
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“I never thought Kareem’s record would be broken either,” Wilkes admitted. “I guess records are just made to be broken.”