NBA History: 5 Trades that changed the NBA forever

#1 The Milwaukee Bucks trade Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers

Abdul-Jabbar became a Lakers legend

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the NBA's greatest players. He is the all-time leading scorer and won multiple championships. Abdul-Jabbar is an NBA legend and accomplished great things, especially during his time with the Lakers.

In 1969, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor). He was the first pick of the draft, as he had an impressive college career with UCLA. Alcindor came into the league and instantly made an impact. During his time with the Bucks, Alcindor played with Oscar Robertson as they won a championship in 1971.

Alcindor was dominant with the Bucks and won multiple MVPs and was named scoring champion multiple times during his time there. He stayed with the Bucks until 1975, as he requested a trade in 1974. He wanted to go to either the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers. He got his wish as he joined the Lakers the following year.

In 1975, the Lakers received Abdul-Jabbar and Walt Wesley as they gave up Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers, and Junior Bridgeman. This is where Abdul-Jabbar truly shined.

Abdul-Jabbar became a crucial player for the Lakers, as they went on to become the "Showtime" Lakers. With players such as Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Abdul-Jabbar found great success in L.A.

The Lakers center went on to win five championships with the Lakers, the first being in 1980. He went on to win championships in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. He also won more MVP awards in 1976,1977 and 1980. So, he had great success with the Lakers.

Abdul-Jabbar's success with the Lakers helped him become another Laker great. He started his career in Milwaukee (and played excellent), but it was his stint with the Lakers people recognize. The Showtime Lakers were essential to the NBA, and their trade for Abdul-Jabbar played a big part in that. This trade worked in the Lakers' favor and ultimately changed the NBA forever.