Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - NBA all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is currently recovering from major open heart surgery performed Thursday in Los Angeles.
The UCLA Health System released a statement Friday revealing that the Hall of Fame center underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery on his 68th birthday. The procedure was performed at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center by UCLA chief of cardiac surgery Richard Shemin, who said Abdul-Jabbar is expected to make a complete recovery.
"At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received," the statement read.
"He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon. He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest."
One of the most prolific players in NBA history, Abdul-Jabbar earned six league MVP awards during his 20-year playing career and won six world titles with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. He was named an All-Star 19 times and finished his career with 38,387 points.
Abdul-Jabbar was previously diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2008, but announced in 2011 that the disease is in remission.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.