NBA: Lakers to unveil Kareem Abdul-Jabar statue, retire Jamaal Wilkes, Shaq's jerseys

The Los Angeles Lakers will commemorate the accomplishments of three of their legends this NBA season, with a statue for Karim Abdul-Jabar and jersey retirement ceremonies for Shaquille O'Neal and Jamaal Wilkes, the team announced in a press release. On November 16, the team will unveil a statue of Abdul-Jabar on the grounds of the STAPLES Center, the team's home arena. Abdul-Jabar will join two other Lakers with statues, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Jerry West. Former Lakers broadcaster Franchis "Chick" Hearn also has a similar statue on site. Abdul-Jabar joined the Lakers in 1975, winning five of his six titles in LA. He was also a six-time NBA MVP, a 19-time All-Star, and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. The 7'2" center holds NBA career records for most points scored (39.387), most field goals made (15,837), most All-Star game selections (19), and most minutes played (57,446). Wilkes will have his jersey #52 on December 28 during a half-time ceremony. The 6'6" swingman played with the Lakers from 1977 to 1985. He won three titles with the Lakers, four overall, and was a three-time NBA All-Star. The UCLA product is also set to enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September. O'Neal on the other hand, will have his jersey #34 retired next year, on April 2. The 7'1" center signed with LA in 1996, and helped the Lakers win three titles, before winning a fourth championship with the Miami Heat. He was a three-time NBA Finals MVP, and a regular-season MVP in 2000. Over his NBA career, Shaq became a 15-time All-Star, and was thrice the All-Star MVP. He was also twice the NBA scoring champion, and was named FIBA World Championship MVP in 1994. - AMD, GMA News