Despite never being teammates, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton shared a profound bond deeply rooted in basketball.

Their journey commenced at UCLA, where both towering centers played pivotal roles in the Bruins’ basketball dynasty throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Subsequently, they rose to prominence as top NBA draft picks, leading their respective teams to multiple championships and earning prestigious spots in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

On Monday, the basketball community mourned the loss of Walton, who passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer. In a touching tribute shared on X (formerly Twitter), Abdul-Jabbar fondly remembered his close friend and fellow basketball luminary.

“Today, my dear friend, fellow Bruin, and NBA rival Bill Walton left us. The world feels a little emptier now,” Abdul-Jabbar expressed in his statement. “On the court, Bill was a formidable competitor, but off the court, his utmost concern was the happiness of those around him. He embodied the finest qualities in all of us.”

Accompanying Abdul-Jabbar’s tribute was a poignant photograph capturing the camaraderie shared between the two legends, their arms linked in solidarity.

Abdul-Jabbar’s sentiments echoed those of many, including Julius Erving, as they paid homage to Walton’s warm-hearted nature and on-court excellence.

Their connection was forged during their collegiate years at UCLA, where they collectively secured five NCAA championships. Abdul-Jabbar claimed three titles before graduating in 1969, just before Walton’s arrival on campus.

Regarded as two of college basketball’s greatest talents, their paths intersected once more in the NBA. Walton, establishing himself as a premier big man, frequently clashed with Abdul-Jabbar, resulting in memorable playoff encounters.

Their battles in the 1977 Western Conference finals and the 1987 NBA Finals left an indelible mark on basketball history, with Walton’s Portland Trail Blazers prevailing in ’77, while Abdul-Jabbar’s Lakers emerged victorious against Walton’s Celtics in ’87.

Beyond their on-court rivalry, their friendship transcended into popular culture, exemplified by Abdul-Jabbar’s playful reference to Walton in the 1980 film “Airplane,” adding another layer to their enduring legacy in the basketball world.