NBA Unveils New Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy To Be Awarded Annually to the League’s Social Justice Champion
The NBA has unveiled the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for the league’s annual Social Justice Champion award. The honor recognizes a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged individuals and groups.
Designed by James Adams Jr., Jason Garrett, Vijay Singh and Lacy Talley, four aspiring artists from inaugural NBA Foundation grantee Marcus Graham Project, and produced by artist Victor Solomon, the trophy honors Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy and draws inspiration from his commitment to creating an equal and just society, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child is free to dream. The structure features a 3-D print of Abdul-Jabbar’s hands holding up these ideals in the form of a basketball-globe, which represents the impact athletes and activists can have to use their platforms and advance social justice globally. The gold, six-sided base symbolizes harmony and balance while celebrating Abdul-Jabbar’s holistic excellence – both with his six NBA titles and many accolades outside of the game.
The trophy was unveiled during a pregame ceremony and on-court presentation prior to tipoff of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets game at Crypto.com Arena and presented to the 2021 Social Justice Champion and Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony.
The 2022 winner will be announced during the NBA postseason and will receive a $100,000 donation from the NBA for a social justice organization of his choosing. The other four finalists will each select an organization to receive a $25,000 contribution on their behalf.
