The wait is over, there will be no more reason for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to feel slighted that the Los Angeles Lakers hadn't unveiled a statue in his honor at Staples Center. The franchise announced that the official unveiling of the five-time (with L.A.) champion's bronze likeness will occur during the coming 2012-13 season, joining other Lakers greats, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and announcer Chick Hearn.

No date for unveiling the statue has been finalized.

Kareem had gone public with his feelings in May of 2011, claiming it was a sign of disrespect on the Lakers behalf that a statue had not been discussed.

"There hasn't been any talk of it [statue]," Abdul-Jabbar said. "I don't understand that. It's either an oversight or they're taking me for granted. I'm not going to try to read people's minds, but it doesn't make me happy. It's definitely a slight. I feel slighted. "I am highly offended by the total lack of acknowledgement of my contribution to Laker success. I guess being the lynchpin for five world championships is not considered significant enough in terms of being part of Laker history."