Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 76, Hospitalized in L.A. After Breaking His Hip During ‘Accidental Fall’

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is recovering from an accident that left him with a broken bone.

The famed athlete, 76, is receiving treatment after breaking his hip during an “accidental fall” in Los Angeles on Friday night, PEOPLE can confirm. “Last night, while at the concert, Kareem accidentally fell and broke his hip. He’s going to have surgery today,” Abdul-Jabbar’s longtime business partner, Deborah Morales, told PEOPLE.

“We are all deeply grateful for the support of Kareem, especially the Los Angeles Fire Department who assisted Kareem at the scene, and the incredible medical team and doctors at UCLA Hospital who are now taking such great care of Kareem,” he added. TMZ first broke the news. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to interesting people stories.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reveals he had prostate cancer and calls out racial inequality in health care

Abdul-Jabbar’s latest medical emergency comes after the star has dealt with prostate cancer, leukemia and heart bypass surgery in recent years.

In a 2020 essay, in which the NBA legend called for better health care for black Americans, Abdul-Jabbar wrote to WebMD that while he’s battled every illness, he’s been luckier than most black men in surviving each one.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Getty

“I was lucky because my celebrity brought me enough financial security to get excellent medical care. Nobody wants an NBA legend to die. Think Yelp reviews,” he joked at the time, adding that he also benefits from having two sons in medical fields.

“However, while I am grateful for my advantages, I am well aware that many others in the black community do not have the same opportunities and it is my responsibility to join those who are fighting to change that. Because black lives are in danger. Serious risk,” Abdul-Jabbar continued.

The athlete played 20 seasons in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. During his legendary career as a center, Abdul-Jabbar was named NBA Most Valuable Player a record six times.

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