Back in the early ‘80s when men were men and still wore the shorts to prove it, the NBA’s biggest man (as opposed to “biggest stiff”, of which there were a few who were actually taller than Kareem -- you know who you are, Ralph Sampson, Tom Burleson and Bill Cartwright) wore this glorious Laker road uniform so reminiscent of the team’s glory years. Special K, who of course earned his first title with the Bucks in ‘71, won his first wearing purple and gold in 1980, and others in ‘82, ‘85, ‘87 and ‘88. For the record, he won 6 MVP awards, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, was a 19-time All-Star , a 2-time scoring champ and scored more points than anyone ever has, or dreamed of (38,387). Is it any wonder this uniform seems so sacred? Hell, in a display it would surely make people genuflect before it. The jersey, in fact, is no common ordinary Kareem jersey (if in fact there is such a thing). It’s one of the most lived-in Kareem jerseys we’ve ever seen, meaning it no doubt saw some heavy duty action and was stretched by more Sky Hooks than could ever be counted. The mesh shirt is a pip, purple with gold and white trimming and that magical “33” in white on gold tackle twill on front and verso, under “Lakers” and “Abdul-Jabbar”, respectively. Only tagging is “Tiernan” on lower right tail. Shirt is slim-fitted and not overly long -- those guys kept their shirts tucked in then -- and while the wear is obvious, there are no rips, pillings or caked-in soiling. Colors are neon-like. The shorts have been used less, showing light use. Tagging on inside waistband is also “Tiernan [size] 36”. Drawstring intact. Given the special powers Kareem possessed, you’ll be tempted to slip these duds on yourself at opportune big-pressure moments. Resist the temptation and keep them preserved for the ages.