They hung Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's jersey high above the Forum court during a halftime ceremony Tuesday night. There, jersey No. 33 will hang along side those of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, Laker legends all.
The Lakers of the present, accustomed by now to standing for ceremonies after last season's Abdul-Jabbar farewell tour, capped the night by beating the Charlotte Hornets, 109-97, and clinching a playoff spot. They also maintained their 1 1/2-game lead over Portland in the Pacific Division.
James Worthy, the other Laker who wears goggles on-court, missed the game because of lower back spasms. Worthy is listed day-to-day, but the Lakers (49-16) didn't need him against the Hornets. Byron Scott led the Lakers with 21 points, and Magic Johnson, A.C. Green and Orlando Woolridge each added 15.
This night, however, was to celebrate the past more than worry about the present state of the Lakers. They will have plenty of time to concern themselves with catching Detroit for the NBA's best record and staving off Portland, Utah and Phoenix in the West.
Tuesday was their last time to formally honor the Laker center emeritus, who retired after 20 seasons, the last 14 with the Lakers.
"That solidifies the end of an era," said Michael Cooper, who played 11 seasons with Abdul-Jabbar. "It's over now, because Kareem can't go up there and get that jersey and put it on."
Abdul-Jabbar, speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday, called the ceremony a "visual confirmation" of his record-setting career.
The halftime ceremony began with a two-minute standing ovation that somehow rendered Chick Hearn, master of ceremonies, speechless. Hearn eventually read a long list of Abdul-Jabbar's accomplishments, then introduced Johnson, who hugged his friend and former teammate.
Johnson, near tears, thanked Abdul-Jabbar for letting him and the rest of the Lakers share in his accomplishments and thanked Abdul-Jabbar for helping him grow as a person.
"Like Tina Turner said, 'You're simply the best,' " Johnson said. "You're definitely better than all the rest."
David Stern, NBA commissioner, then presented Abdul-Jabbar with a framed jersey similar to the one on the Forum wall of fame.
"All I have to say is (Abdul-Jabbar's) longevity, consistency, durability and greatness will never, ever be equaled in our league," Stern said. "I'll see you in the Hall of Fame." At that point, Abdul-Jabbar's jersey was unveiled. It was hung next to that of former hockey great Rogie Vachon. The jerseys of Chamberlain, West and Baylor were moved to the right side of the United States flag.
