Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Upset at Lack of a Statue from the Lakers

Kareem can’t believe that the Lakers haven’t built him a statue at the Staples Center, the way they did for Magic Johnson, Chick Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya, Wayne Gretzky and Jerry West. From the LA Times (via Cap’s Twitter account): “Various postings on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Twitter account reveal that his frustration over the fact the Lakers haven’t honored him with a statue outside Staples Center reflects a larger picture in his fragmented relationship with the organization. ‘It’s not about a getting a statue, because I’m over it. It’s about RESPECT! Lakers have given me the absolute minimum of respect.’ … Among the his other tweets: — ‘Bill Russell is getting his statue after 40 years. Laker immortal Jerry West waited 37 years for his statue. My wait has only been 22 yrs.’ –‘Rumor has it that I will be getting a statue. A caveat for all my fans-don’t hold your breath. Lakers don’t care about me.’ — ‘The only reason I endure is because of all the support I get from Laker fans everywhere I go. Thanks to all for your appreciation.’ — ‘Magic waited 8 years to be honored in that way. So maybe I am chopped liver?’ — A fan tweeted, ‘You are a legend. Why does it bother u so much? Ur accomplishments on court mean a lot more then a statue.’ Abdul-Jabar responded, ‘Your right but there is principal involved so I can’t ignore the situation any longer.'”