HBO's "Winning Time" Cast and Their Real-Life Counterparts

Abdul-Jabbar was already the centerpiece of the Lakers when Johnson was drafted by the team, having joined the squad in 1975. In 1980, he was named league MVP for a record sixth time, and he was an essential part of getting the Lakers its 1980s championships.

In 1980, Abdul-Jabbar starred in the classic comedy film "Airplane!" He's continued to be a pop culture icon, appearing on shows like "Full House," "Living Single," "Scrubs," "New Girl," and "The Big Bang Theory" and even competing on "Dancing With the Stars." He also wrote for the 2019 "Veronica Mars" revival.