Rare Kareem Abdul-Jabbar UCLA jersey tops $1 million at auction

Give up a transistor radio, get a rare Kareem Abdul-Jabbar jersey that is going to fetch more than $1 million.That was the parking-lot swap that auctioneers say a savvy consignor made in the late 1970s outside the Forum in Inglewood while waiting with fellow autograph seekers for players to emerge after a Lakers game.Maybe that consignor has absolved the Milwaukee Bucks of making one of the worst trades in sports history when they shipped Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers in 1975 for Junior Bridgeman, Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters.The jersey in question was one that Abdul-Jabbar – then known as Lew Alcindor – wore in one national championship and a subsequent Final Four semifinal while playing for UCLA in the late 1960s.That jersey is now on pace to be sold for more than $1 million  – with three weeks of bidding to go in an auction that ends Aug.16.Grey Flannel Auctions confirmed the authenticity of the jersey by professionally photo-matching it to the one that Abdul-Jabbar wore in the Bruins’ 1968 national title victory over North Carolina – a game in which the 7-footer tallied 34 points and 16 rebounds – and a 1969 semifinal triumph over Drake in which he was equally dominant with 25 points, 21 rebounds and 3 assists.

At the end of the latter season, Abdul-Jabbar became the first recipient of the Naismith College Player of the Year Award.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story Showing considerable wear, the white Sand Knit jersey features classic UCLA blue-and-gold trim with blue tackle twill “UCLA” lettering and number “33” on both the front and back.According to the auctioneers, it’s the only known jersey of its kind matched across multiple games and seasons, making it a rare piece of memorabilia given that Abdul-Jabba...