Having Rumbled With Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 65 Yo Ex-laker Had to Survive ?Brutal? Training Only?to?Be?Forgotten

Forgotten amidst Los Angeles Lakers star, Kurt Rambis still holds a cherished spot in the team’s chronicles.?As remarkable as it may seem, the former Laker’s unlikely journey to NBA stardom is a fascinating yarn of fortitude, resolve, and bodily prowess.?Encountering basketball iconography of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during an intense training camp, Rambis’ journey started.

This moment was critical for him, an opportunity to solidify his place on a roster teeming with talent.?Rambis wasn’t your average athlete, sporting unconventional looks with a quirky ‘do and specs.?A testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, his story embodies the underdog spirit.

Kurt Rambis on battling the Giants

In the early ’80s, when Rambis became a Lakers free-agent pickup, monumental obstacles loomed large. The roster gains magnitude with the addition of Magic Johnson’s captivating personality and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s towering frame.

Rambis, aware of his relatively muted professional history, sought to distinguish himself. Rambis shared with Jeff Pearlman for his book “Showtime” “That training camp was brutal“. Whereas Rambis, lacking the classical athletic build, aimed to make a name for himself. His tenacity and active defense strategy impressed Abdul-Jabbar.

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Rambis remembers the training camp as particularly demanding. “It was an all-out brawl every single day.” His mindset was clear: He must prove himself either as a deserving competitor or a substitute participant. There to deliver punishment rather than absorb it, Rambis saw action.

Embracing the Underdog: The Unlikely Star

Rambis’ relentless determination paid off. He spent the bulk of his 14-year NBA career with the Lakers, leaving a legendary mark. The Lakers won four NBA crowns under his watch in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Although he might not have appeared to be a conventionally accomplished athlete, his resolute demeanor and athletic prowess distinguished him.

Rambis who said, ?Get the f**k outta here! To a Chicago Bulls legend recorded substantial career numbers?4,603 points, 4,961 rebounds, and 931 assists. From his playing days onward, he changed to coaching, securing two extra championships for his collection.

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As an illustration of resilience, Kurt Rambis persists as a trusted mentor for the Lakers at age 65, remaining an indelible figure in franchise history following his unconventional path to fame.