Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles confirmed that the the former NBA player underwent a quadruple coronary bypass surgery on Thursday, April 16.
- April 18, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Legendary basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is recovering after undergoing a quadruple coronary bypass surgery. A statement released by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center said that the surgery took place on Thursday, April 16, the same day he celebrated his 68th birthday.
The operation was performed by Dr. Richard Shemin, UCLA's chief of cardiac surgery, after Abdul-Jabbar was admitted to the hospital due to cardiovascular disease earlier this week. Shemin said in the statement that the operation was a big success and he wished the former NBA player a quick recovery.
"At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received," the statement further explained. "He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon."
The statement also noted, "He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest."
Moreover, the statement said that Abdul-Jabbar thanked all people who wanted to wish him well and encouraged them to always give full support to those who may be suffering from various health problems.
During his career, Abdul-Jabbar achieved multiple awards including a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a record 19-time NBA All-Star, a record 15-time All-NBA election, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. A member of six NBA championship teams as a player and two as an assistant coach, Abdul-Jabbar was twice voted NBA Finals MVP. In 1996, he was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
