1970s
PRELUDE TO SHOWTIME
Laker Wilt Chamberlain slides a finger roll over Milwaukee Buck Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during a game in 1972. Abdul-Jabbar, who was known as Lew Alcindor when he played at UCLA from 1965-1969, would follow Chamberlain as Laker center after he returned to Los Angeles in 1975. (Larry Sharkey / LAT)
The Ingenue:
Tracy Austin, at 14 years 28 days old, became the youngest tennis player to win a pro event, in 1977. (staff file photo / LAT)