TITLE: Bam Adebayo Wins 2025-26 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award
SLUG: bam-adebayo-earns-2025-26-kareem-abdul-jabbar-social-justice-champion
CONTENT:
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo has been selected as the NBA’s 2025-26 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion, the league announced.
The honor recognizes players who advance social justice and community engagement. Along with the trophy, the NBA will donate $100,000 to Adebayo’s charity, the Bam, Books & Brotherhood Foundation.
“Bam Adebayo has followed in the path of Kareem and other humanitarian leaders … by using his platform to create sustained impact for young people and families across South Florida and North Carolina,” NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum said in a statement.
Community initiatives
Adebayo’s recent efforts include:
- Supplying mattresses, uniforms and school supplies to students at the SEED School of Miami.
- Financing transportation for more than 19,000 students to attend the Miami Book Fair.
- Organizing mentorship and enrichment programs that help youths explore career pathways.
Other finalists
The Heat star was chosen from a group that also featured Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons) and Larry Nance Jr. (Cleveland Cavaliers).
Previous winners
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award debuted in 2020-21. Past recipients are Carmelo Anthony (2020-21), Reggie Bullock (2021-22), Stephen Curry (2022-23), Karl-Anthony Towns (2023-24) and Jrue Holiday (2024-25).
Adebayo’s recognition continues the tradition of NBA players leveraging their platforms to support underserved communities.
Source: LakersNation.com
