Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s All-Star Snub: An Unbelievable Miss in NBA History

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The NBA is known for its All-Star Game, a midseason classic showcasing the league’s top talents. However, throughout its history, some players have been overlooked for selection. One of the most significant snubs came during the 1977-78 season, when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar failed to secure a spot despite exceptional performance.

Abdul-Jabbar, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history, averaged 25.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.7 steals during the season in question. He had already won the league MVP award in the two previous years and led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 45-37 record, which might have earned him a spot among the All-Star squad.

The circumstances behind his absence from the roster are somewhat puzzling, particularly considering the backcourt issues faced by the Lakers that season. Following the trade of power forward Kermit Washington to the Boston Celtics, Abdul-Jabbar found himself leading a team that lacked balance yet still managed to perform commendably. However, an injury sustained from a rookie’s errant elbow during the season opener forced him to miss numerous games, likely playing a role in his exclusion.

Interestingly, Bill Walton was chosen as the starting center for the All-Star Game that year, with Bob Lanier and Artis Gilmore serving as backups. Among those selected, a strong argument can be made that Abdul-Jabbar’s stats and previous accolades made him a more deserving candidate than either Lanier or Gilmore, both of whom were also Hall of Famers who did not lead their respective teams to the playoffs.

“My mind is still boggled by the fact that he was not selected to that game,” said former player and commentator Doris Burke. “Kareem was at the pinnacle of his career, leading the league in scoring and cruising to victory with the Lakers. Being snubbed just doesn’t add up.”

Abdul-Jabbar’s contributions to basketball extend beyond mere statistics; throughout his career, he remained a player who could operate at a high level even into his late thirties, challenging standards of longevity in the NBA. His legendary status is cemented not only through accolades but also through unforgettable moments that highlight his impact on the league.

As his career progressed, Abdul-Jabbar would go on to make numerous All-Star teams, yet the ghost of that one season lingers—a testament to an era in which the decisions made did not always reflect the talent on the court. Abdul-Jabbar’s remarkable longevity has drawn comparisons to contemporary player LeBron James, who is also defying age with his performances well into his thirties.

Many fans and analysts continue to debate the selections made for All-Star games over the years, with great hope that future legends will not face similar fate, offering recognition to the best among their ranks as part of this cherished event.