For as amazing of a player that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was, and he is clearly one of the greatest players to ever step foot on an NBA court, the legendary center has also always been about much more than basketball and cares deeply about making an impact on people and the world off the court. This why the NBA Social Justice Award is named after Abdul-Jabbar.
The 2026 NBA Social Justice Champion was Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo, who has done great work in his community through his Bam, Books and Brotherhood Foundation. And Abdul-Jabbar recently sent a message to Adebayo after winning the award, via Sportswithseb on X:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares a message ti Bam Adebayo after winning the NBA Justice Award #Heatnation #Sportswithseb pic.twitter.com/1YISLTEYqF
— SportswithSeb🏀🏈 (@Sportswithseb) August 2, 2026
Adebayo may not be the most popular player amongst Lakers fans after his somewhat controversial 83-point game surpassed the legendary 81-point outing from the late, great Kobe Bryant. But there are things bigger than basketball and Adebayo is truly doing some amazing things and Abdul-Jabbar wanted to congratulate and thank him for all that he is doing off the court.
Last season, Adebayo led 18 social justice-and impact focused initiatives, investing more than a half-million dollars into programs designed to expand access and opportunity for youth and families in South Florida and North Carolina. This included providing mattresses, uniforms and school supplies for students at The SEED School of Miami and funding transportation for more than 19,000 students to attend the Miami Book Fair. Not to mention numerous other acts such as toy drives, holiday meal distributions and his Bam Basketball Camp.
Abdul-Jabbar’s impact around the world will last for many generations and inspire many to try and do the same. And there is no doubt that the Lakers legend loves seeing people like Adebayo carrying that torch and wants to ensure he gets the proper respect and adulation for it.
Lakers a potential trade partner for Mavericks guard Klay Thompson?
The current Lakers are still looking for ways to improve the roster this offseason and a name that has recently popped up as a trade possibility is Dallas Mavericks veteran guard Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
With the Mavericks looking to move off a player or two, Thompson reportedly “would welcome” a return home to Los Angeles where he grew up and played high school ball.
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