Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Mat Diekhake
Here is a table showing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Finals opponents, including the year, opponent, result, and notes:
| Year | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Baltimore Bullets | Bucks won 4–0 | Kareem’s first title; named Finals MVP; dominant sweep |
| 1974 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–3 | Lost in 7 games; Kareem hit game-winner in Game 6; lost Game 7 at home |
| 1980 | Philadelphia 76ers | Lakers won 4–2 | Kareem injured in Game 5; Magic Johnson starred in Game 6 |
| 1982 | Philadelphia 76ers | Lakers won 4–2 | Strong team effort; Kareem averaged 18 PPG in Finals |
| 1983 | Philadelphia 76ers | 76ers won 4–0 | Swept by Moses Malone’s “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” 76ers |
| 1984 | Boston Celtics | Celtics won 4–3 | Physical series; lost in 7 games; Celtics won Game 7 at home |
| 1985 | Boston Celtics | Lakers won 4–2 | Kareem named Finals MVP at age 38; Lakers avenged 1984 loss |
| 1987 | Boston Celtics | Lakers won 4–2 | Magic’s “junior sky hook” in Game 4; Kareem solid in limited role |
| 1988 | Detroit Pistons | Lakers won 4–3 | Final title; Lakers repeated; Kareem’s last Finals appearance |
Summary:
- Finals appearances: 10
- Championships won: 6 (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- Finals record: 6–4
- Teams played for: Milwaukee Bucks (1971, 1974), Los Angeles Lakers (1980–1988)
Let me know if you’d like a version filtered by team or showing Kareem’s Finals averages.