Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Bill Walton at Live Talks Los Angeles

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in conversation with Bill Walton at Live Talks Los Angeles, May 24, 2017, discussing his book, "Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court." For more info on Live Talks Los Angeles -- upcoming events, videos and podcast -- visit livetalksla.org and follow this channel on KZbin

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

Kareem is one of the greatest Americans of this generation. One of my idols, a great human being, social justice warrior, nice person, total gentleman.

[@olyokie]

All true and as a Sonic fan……God I hated him. But today I have nothing but the greatest admiration for him. Maybe the only real GOAT.

[@followyourbliss973]

Great to see these two guys are good friends!

[@andybilakshow260]

Two great players. I don't care how you slice it. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikeflint8291]

Outstanding thought provoking questions by Bill Walton peppered with humor. Kareem gives great answers too. Great interview!

[@herbwhite7384]

Both of these great men have actually gotten even greater as the years have passed. American treasures that aren't being made anymore.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

I've always hated it when people make fun of Bill Walton and his enthusiasm. I love it. He's an intelligent, humble, and kindhearted man, not to mention a very good interviewer. Oh yeah, when healthy one of the best centers to ever take the hardwood. Some say the greatest college basketball player of all-time.

[@beavinator420]

Walton is the best

[@RoyBaty]

Love Walton's stories. He's so enthusiastic and positive about the game and about life in general.

[@arcdestriumph586]

He's intelligent? ... I'll give you enthusiastic. He followed the Greatful Dead all over the world. How many other Dead/heads are passing out suitcases of life wisdom? Those who forsook that lifestyle if any. His 1st question to Kareem .. "Acid" .. at least he showed his hand up front. Walton is likeable .. not a leader.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

@@arcdestriumph586 Did I call him a leader? Does intelligence in a person mean I necessarily agree with their viewpoints? No to both. For example, some of the presidents in my lifetime often cited as being especially intelligent were, as I see it, lousy presidents. But some of Walton's opinions (the honor and respect he came to give John Wooden, for instance) I find insightful.

[@arcdestriumph586]

@@pnutbutrncrackers Walton in his 60's ... 1st question to Kareem is about Acid. Perhaps you could frame that mindset for me?. .. Wait... I'll do it ... Idiot speaking.

[@janeblitz6763]

I was sitting in the audience for this interview! It was an incredible evening. Before the interview began some of us were able to meet Kareem and Bill. Even there, you could see the difference as far as Bill being very outgoing and Kareem was extremely shy. When Kareem came onto the stage, it was obvious he was ill at ease, but Bill drew him out of his shell and you actually saw his body relax and Kareem began to become passionate about Coach Wooden. It was such a special evening. I actually took my father for an early Father’s Day present. He had been a long time UCLA fan, so I don’t know who enjoy the evening the most!

[@Roost59]

I am not worthy of a comment.

[@josephforte7589]

I’ve never realized how great of a person Kareem is!! Wow!!! Very intelligent man.

[@smokeyjoe795]

Two great men. I hope they both live forever.

[@joeyamaoyaji8835]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , one of the greatest men ever. 👍

[@firasmassadeh5131]

Bill truly loves admires and respects Kareem

[@KJSturr]

He truly does

[@uglyfrog7263]

Kareem, you and Bill are two of the finest men I have ever watched.

[@N_Ides]

Never seen Kareem being so personable. Good to see Cap opening up more and sharing his experience.

[@bobsteinbruck7278]

Two of the best ever. Their history will be bb history for a very long, long time, and their to gift to America will demonstrate their time through history as outstanding Americans!

[@gaffle7646]

Bill Walton always seems like a class act and a great ball player. He always shows his reverence to Kareem (rightfully so).

[@ericpitt-bey3005]

Walton is a true "legend" and he absolutely loves and admires Kareem

[@seanpatrickfolster5606]

Kareem is my favorite, but Bill Walton is a great interviewer. Great work.

[@danacallanan2922]

I was Privileged to watch many of the great centers in my lifetime. Russell, Wilt , Big E, Thurmond, Reed, Unseld , Cowans, Kareem, Walton, Hakeem, Parish, McHale and Sampson ! It's a shame that the game has forgotten about low post play ! The game was beautiful to watch back then ! The 3 point shot has taken the flow out of the game.

[@ChefClary60]

The flow? Couldn’t disagree more. I watched them all as well. And todays game is ten times more exciting than “throw to the big guy under the basket” game.

[@Quinn37]

Disagree. Yes I miss the art of low post, but there are so many ways to play now. Also the game has an equally beautiful flow to it.

[@FTorre-br1tx]

These two men bring forth a sobering sense of mutual respect, love, and friendship, for us to emulate. Two men of refreshing intellect sharing a special moment as brothers above all else. I was so moved and inspired by their eloquence, as well. My heartfelt thanks to both for uplifting us above mediocrity and self-service.

[@garyduff8739]

A few years ago I was going through TV channels and on PBS here is this very tall bald black guy talking intelligently about politics. Kareem is so talented and so smart he deserves tremendous respect.

[@chetjablonski1993]

Kareem never fails to amaze me. A great basketball player, an even better man!

[@haroldfloyd5518]

Kareem is one of the few people Bill will shut up and listen to, and their mutual respect for each other and abiding admiration for coach wooden comes through clearly.

[@yaakcon]

I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF THESE OLD LEGENDS.

[@roygonzalez4367]

Love both of these Greats , Walton was a Force in College , NCAA Championships and Proved his Tallent when they won the NBA Championship with the Portland Trail Blazers , Kareem GOAT

[@jasontroy3911]

2 absolute legends

[@donaldcummings8407]

IF Bill hadn't gotten injured, the rivalry through the late 70's early 80's would have been epic..

[@rhlang11]

Bill's body began to break down early in his career.

[@MrBiggin49]

Donald Cummings thats true in 1977 Bill was the best player in the NBA the year he won the NBA Championship.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

I agree completely.

[@henrys5291]

@TheAstrius if he doesn't get injured, he probably stays in Portland because it was conflict over the medical staff's treatment of his injuries that caused him to demand a trade. The only other city I see a healthy Walton playing in is the city he demanded a trade to, his hometown San Diego. He's talked a lot about how much it hurts him that the Clippers left. He blames himself for it because they invested a lot in him and he was injured for like 80% of his time there so they sucked. Sterling moved them to LA while Walton was still a clipper and his hometown hasn't had nba basketball since

[@ericpitt-bey3005]

Coach Wooden would have absolutely loved this. I can see him beaming now

[@garylocke1]

This is amazing! Two intelligent guys, enjoying talking about everything from religion, to politics, to sports - Wow!

[@imperiousrex1873]

garylocke1 we will never see athletes like this again.

[@Amick44]

Not with the one and done atmosphere that rates as an excuse for "college." While UCLA had some questionable, at best, practices in landing the top collegians year in and year out, there is no doubt of the positive influence Coach Wooden had in helping to mold men as well as athletes as people and citizens, not to mention the discipline and teamwork spirit that translates into sporting success.

[@russellwalton5646]

They both accomplished a little more than just dribbling a basketball

[@SocratesTheWiseOne-tr3uf]

Correct

[@bowsershark]

Kareem, best overall hoop career for high school, college and NBA. Thanks for being a Supreme Kareem. Much love to you while we can still express it to you.

[@rickycole6327]

You are right James I think he was the most accomplished player in basketball history

[@missayawk]

The REAL GOAT.....MJ very arguably might have had a more accomplished/ entertaining NBA career.But due to his longevity for success Kareem's career cannot be touched by ANYONE.Lebron comes close, but he didnt go to college, but what he did as an 18 yo NBA rookie is truly amazing.Both Kareem and Lebron far exceeded all the lofty expectations placed upon them....MJ had no such expectations....until he was a man in the NBA

[@mikeflint8291]

26 years as the best in that overall span. In that respect it makes Kareem the GOAT!

[@rosiedebevc1952]

Bill and Kareem are the two best playing centers.

[@DavidSmith-xr8js]

Two great big men. Bill truly idolizes Kareem. Big shoes at UCLA to fill and Bill did his best. Two fantastic human beings.

[@danacarter4793]

Omg this was awesome I sat on the edge of my seat ,never heard him talk so much ,heard he was brilliant, now I get the full picture ❤

[@tomsmith7742]

What a remarkable duo. Brilliant, personable, and oh so classy. Both UCLA Bruins, both students of history, both tutored by the great man Jon Wooden, both loved the sport of basketball and would have played it anywhere, for nothing, just for the sheer joy of it. Who' was the best center, at his 'height?"? That's my secret..Clearly, Jabbar had the superior career. Sure loved watching these guys play- saw every one of their games late night on KTLA. Those were the days..And by the way- the way both of these guys learned to speak so eloquently in public- Walton had a horrible stutter, and Kareem was shy to the point of muteness- just shows what great brains they have. Never be a pair of athletes like this again...

[@rosspalfreyman4207]

I absolutely loved this book. Best of all the Wooden biographies.

[@soaringskys2682]

I like Kareem, and he is very lovable.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Kareem is amazing on and off the court. Love the gentle contest between these two.

[@chetjablonski1993]

What a pleasure to watch!

[@chuckmccue1895]

Both Kareem and Bill are brillant guys

[@timothypatrickmurphy7118]

What a Fascinating Interview! Two basketball greats, but intellectuals as well! I grew up in Los Angeles, a Laker Fan...Elgin Baylor was my Favorite Player. I feel grateful to have been able to stumble into this Video. Heartwarming for sure. How can you Not love both of them. The Sincerity is off the chart! ❤️

[@Skoshi33]

Two Dominant NCAA Centers, Both NBA MVP/Champions, Highly Intellectual... Cool Too....

[@Amick44]

And neither were controversial loudmouths getting into to trouble constantly (if ever, actually). Class personified from both men.

[@PaxTecum777]

Bill and Kareem did a great job on this live talk....it was truthful and upfront.

[@wendyronk123]

What a great interview!

[@JoseSanchez-sh2xe]

Two great ball players who deeply appreciate each other accomplishments, and the love for each other especially bill Walton obviously admire Kareem.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Kareem is a humble guy who deserves the accolades he has received.

[@DaddyKoolPop]

Wow. This really is a beautiful conversation. Bill really steered the talk very well, but Kareem is a special special cat. Thanks for sharing. -KB

[@kevinlawrence6984]

a great conversation between two of my favorite centers of all time!

[@Maximillian200HP]

Bill Walton is one of the biggest "What If's" in NBA history, poor guy lost so much from injuries, up there with Tracey McGrady, Derrick Rose and Yao Ming, but at least Bill managed to make it to the Promised Land in what little time he had without injury.

[@danacallanan2922]

An amazing conversation !

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

Nice interview, one important note: Kareem grew up with a Mother and Father, an intact family! As a bonus, Bill Russell as a role model, and props to the "Big O".

[@Amick44]

An incredible testament to the influence John Wooden has had on his players and the type of young men he choose to recruit. Kareem and Bill, like too few others of influence, truly think and care for others who did not have their gifts and opportunity to make a difference, be it sports or everyday life. And each man shares concern for issues who do not apply to them. How many can say as much?

[@geraldwicker5318]

They are both good men that other men and women can learn from. There is no better testament to their lives than that.

[@louvilla6882]

A testament to the greatest basketball coach of all time.. KAREEM, The Best Ever. !! Great interview..

[@SeanRankin2]

Excellent interview

[@frasiec]

Love to see these two together. Most didn’t see how great a player was in Portland. The Boston version was a roll player. A good roll player but he was special in Portland

[@akca00]

I have read several of Kareem's books and have the utmost respect for this incredible man!! I am not talking about his basketball prowess!!

[@RoyBaty]

Kareem is so soft spoken. Walton does a great job drawing him out into a conversation.

[@ezrobodine]

Kareem is one of my heroes. I love his mind and activism as much as his amazing basketball career.

[@louvilla6882]

Great Interview of the Greatest Basketball Ever !! Such a Humble and Highly Intelligent Human Being 👍🏀

[@coachwillridley1374]

sweet !!! my dad played jazz with Kareem's dad back in the day here in NYC .

[@doyalkrishna5656]

Absolutely phenomenal interview. Very inspiring. I grew up watching sports when true athletes played. Haven’t watched professional sports in about 20 years now. I get more enrichment and enjoyment researching the historical legends like Kareem 🙏🏻 Thank you Bill for the incredible interview

[@janejohn1644]

1. Jabbar at 38 years won finals MVP against arguably against best front line ever assembled.2. Jabbar has more assist than Jordan.3. Jabbar is thee only player who is in the discussion as the greatest HS player ever, the greatest college player ever, AND the greatest NBA player ever! No one but jabbar can claim to be in the discussion for all three!

[@sharondorn4803]

jane john real talk

[@clu4u]

Ashok Hegde, Wilt averaged 8.8 blocks in film taken of 112 games. He blocked 26 shots vs Detriot, 17 in his first NBA game. March 18, 1968, vs Lakers, 53 points, 32 rebounds, 24 blocks, 13 assists, 11 steals. Wilt is definitely in the conversation, HS, college and NBA.

[@clu4u]

jane john, even better was Bill Russell, HS champion, UNDEFEATED in college at USF, 11 NBA rings, case closed...

[@JamesAllenJr]

Abdul-Jabbar, please.

[@JamesAllenJr]

I don't know about high school... but Bill Russell is THE ultimate Winner of Basketball, ALL TIME.

[@gdoggatl]

Really great interview!! Absolutely love Walton and Jabbar!

[@steveh603]

Read this Book last Summer. One of the best I've ever read on any subject. Calling it a sports book doesnt do it justice. Beautiful tribute to John Wooden who coached & mentored Lewis Alcindor but befriended & understood Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

[@mikedineen7857]

Read West by West. I think it’s the best most honest jock book I ever read.

[@richardpuglisi5452]

Two of the all-time greats who also happen to have been pretty good basketball players as well!

[@mickeyfreeman5820]

Love both of these guys, great players and both very intelligent.

[@TheKay500]

Best interview I've ever watched. I've even greater respect for Kareem after watching this interview. I don't know why he is not in the GOAT conversation.

[@MrBiggin49]

My point he is the 🐐. He carried the league in the 70s and was one of the greats in the 80s . 38 years old won MVP in the championship . Let’s see if LeBron James do that.

[@williammorrison6311]

He is.

[@blitztim6416]

Bill loves hyperbole, but all his compliments of Kareem are heartfelt and sincere. Two greats. Coach did an outstanding job teaching these guys.

[@johnevans5434]

Sensational - Kareem is truly transcendental!

[@hectornegron9155]

I didn't really know about Kareem's sense of humor. Underneath that serious "don't mess with me or else I'll kick your ass" type of attitude there's a somewhat goofy kid and that's so wonderful to see. I learned about his existence when he was still playing for Milwaukee. That's when I discovered basketball and I have admired him ever since. When he went to play for the Lakers he became one of my biggest idols. Not just as an athlete but as a human being, as a person. What a pleasant surprise when he said during an interview I saw recently that he compared himself to Roberto Clemente. Thanks Bill. I've never been a Celtics fan but I've always admired you too. Be safe y'all.

[@Winnie122459]

Two of my all time favorite players and humanatarians. . God bless you men! .

[@dennisstrand5566]

Outstanding interview

[@stevens2772]

Kareem and Bill - 2 Towering Legends of the game, .......and of life. Brilliant.

[@fitnesssolutions3125]

Awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to see two great men who are great athletes and greater intellects.

[@bigh9884]

If Bill would never had gotten injured during his career he probably would have been in the top 5 all-time great centers in NBA history.

[@anthonyshepherd1832]

You're right Big H, the injuries did him in, but he will always be in my top 5. He was truly one of the most athletic centers to play the game. For those who never seen him play, he compares favorably to Olojawon.

[@JamesAllenJr]

The one guy I saw who could beat Kareem, is Bill Walton.

[@timdusen830]

No doubt

[@smokeyjoe795]

@@JamesAllenJr Not really. Kareem dropped 40 on him on a regular basis. He even put 50 on him one time. If Kermit Washington hadn't gotten hurt the Lakers could have beaten Portland in 77.

[@smokeyjoe795]

@@anthonyshepherd1832 I agree Walton was awesome but not as good as Olajawon. Hakeem was as good as anyone that ever played. Wilt wasnt better, Kareem wasnt better.

[@ntg128]

Thanks for uploading. I live in Japan and it is great to see some great content on the internet!!

[@DXSINGER]

Kareem, Thank you.

[@TAXENGINEER]

Standing ovation guys

[@charlesbromberick4247]

I love what these guys have done to my life.

[@curtwelling6853]

Two great athletes and two great men, either one is a great role model.

[@edwardjohn1116]

Great interview with two of my favorite players ,, much love more love from love self love one love 💯🛐💚🔯💛☪️❤️🕉️

[@Keranu]

These two legends get a lot of respect, but not enough respect.

[@josephbarnett2566]

Great interview. Love them both. Bill once mentioned how an opposing play unnecessarily maliciously undercut him causing his history of injuries.

[@michaelangileo2760]

Speaking as a USC alum, there are so many shining lights that came from UCLA! Kareem, thank you for your beautiful soul. Bill, thank you for your love of life. In Christ Jesus, I am... Michael :)

[@2345allthebest]

like 2 bottles of fine wine... seeing Walton and Kareem together after all these years is wonderful...the stories, knowledge they have, and basketball lore these 2 were a part of could fill a stadium

[@joshuamervis]

Thank you. This is one of the best talks I've had the pleasure to listen to. Great, great stuff here.

[@LiveTalksLA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scared08ph]

Walton vs.Jabbar.....lovely and intense match up.

[@alanblazek1653]

Enjoyed this, so much

[@walterlangston9398]

the best sports book i ever read also a great human interest story kareem loved coach like a father kareem is a very outstanding writer

[@jingqi9106]

"If you don't have that love, compassion, and commitment, it's not gonna work." - Kareem Abdul Jabbar talking about the great John Wooden and The Pyramid of Success

[@MrDanSchulte]

Kareem has been blessed , a veil has lifted and his light is shining brighter than ever before. Amazing

[@ciriloreyes3184]

Amazing q and a thank you for posting

[@charlesbromberick4247]

Bill, Lewis-Kareem and John Wooden - such great role models for me. U-C-L-A RA RA RA! Thanks for a fabulous interview.

[@billyfonseca4426]

Wow Two great minds

[@sharondorn4803]

Kareem is the Greatest

[@mwash52]

Wonderful interview!

[@stephencephas6364]

My " Home Boy " and fellow New Yorker. I was in Catholic school in NY when Kareem played for Power Memorial H.S. He was THE MAN and in my book the G.O.A.T. He changed the game in college because they outlawed the dunk when he got to UCLA. They didn't do that for any other big man including Wilt Chamberlain. My only wish is that he was more outgoing, but by his own admission he was shy. You can still see that even now.

[@Skoshi33]

Consistent Greatness....

[@stephencephas6364]

Absolutely !

[@chillone1484]

Awesome Dudes!

[@michaelbrockman580]

KTLA channel 5. I'm from a small town in California. We had three and then cable came in. We got to watch the bruins and I'll never forget.

[@pillbox1240]

Love these two guys.

[@precisionhoops3652]

My Dad played trumpet Michael E. Ridley with Kareem’s Dad , same big band here in NYC.

[@WillsBullies]

Kareem is the Greatest!

[@Daz555Daz]

Seems like these guys are great friends.

[@JStarStar00]

Daz555Daz: For most of their playing careers, they were not friendly at all. Both seemed to resent the other for being considered UCLA's greatest player.