Bruce Lee Helped 7?2? Tall NBA Star to Remain in the ?Best Shape? Following a $1,500,000 Move in 1969

The saga of Bruce Lee inspiring people all across the world, is endless. From commoners to Hollywood stars to NBA personalities, Lee cast his martial art spell on everyone. Above all, he had a special bond with legendary NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who became his devoted Jeet Kune Do student in 1968. Moreover, when Abdul Jabbar got his calling from Milwaukee Bucks, he sought Lee?s help to build a stronger physique.?

Legendary NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was initially called Lew Alcindor til the 1960s. He was introduced to Lee by the editor of Black Belt Magazine, Mitoshi Uyehara in 1968. The two got along well from the moment they met. More so, Lee played a significant role in his life making him a prominent athlete in the NBA world.?

Lee?s valuable contribution to Abdul-Jabbar?s life

Kareen Abdul-Jabbar had returned to Los Angeles from New York to finish his senior year at UCLA in 1968. The NBA player had in-depth training in Aikido when he was in New York. After returning to Los Angeles, he wanted to continue his training. However, when he met Lee, the Sensei influenced him to learn Jeet Kune Do. Evidently, the NBA legend was startled by Lee?s Jeet Kune Do martial art style as he continued to be under Lee’s tutelage till 1971.?

Lee was highly impressed by Abdul-Jabbar?s 7?2? tall height and powerful physical abilities. While he spent years learning martial arts from Lee, in 1969, the six-time NBA MVP received his calling from Milwaukee Bucks, and was drafted for $1.5 million. It was a great opportunity for Abdul-Jabbar, motivating him to add thirty more pounds of muscle to compete against bulkier centers like Wilt Chamberlain.?

He resorted to Lee for help. The martial art legend had put him on a special diet and given him a weightlifting program. Lee?s biography, Bruce Lee: A Way of Life by Mathew Polly, revealed that he would often tell Abdul-Jabbar,?Being in the best shape you can be, will absolutely enhance all aspects of your game on the basketball court,??

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Nevertheless, Abdul-Jabbar played for six years for Milwaukee Bucks emerging as a shining NBA legendary player. Moreover, two years ago, ?Lew? shared his experience of training with Lee.?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar talks about Lee?s training mantra

During an interview with Sportscenter, Abdul-Jabbar revealed that Lee helped him in attaining longevity in his career. More so, Lee ?always emphasized the effectiveness of stretching.” Therefore, before every training session, the duo practiced stretches for long hours. Nevertheless, the technique proved to be so effective for the NBA legend, that he took it to the next level by learning yoga. He described it as the ?best preventative maintenance? in his off-season.?

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Moreover, apart from playing six years with the Milwaukee Bucks, he also played for 14 years with the Los Angeles Lakers. Did Lee’s influence help Abdul-Jabbar become NBA?s leading all-time scorer??