Grizzlies court Kareem

Grizzlies courting Abdul-Jabbar
By Elliott Teaford and Ramona Shelburne, Staff Writers
Updated: 10/28/2009 12:17:28 AM PDT

The Memphis Grizzlies asked for and received permission to speak to Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, possibly about a position with the team, a Lakers spokesman said Tuesday.

Abdul-Jabbar attended opening night festivities at Staples Center, but declined to comment.

Abdul-Jabbar, whose role as a special assistant to Lakers coach Phil Jackson has been decreased this season, attended the Grizzlies' practice Monday. He also had dinner with the Grizzlies' big men Sunday, according to a report in a Memphis newspaper.

The Grizzlies declined comment when asked by a reporter from the Memphis Commercial-Appeal whether they would hire Abdul-Jabbar or what his role might be.

Abdul-Jabbar, 62, tutored Lakers center Andrew Bynum for the past few seasons. Bynum said during training camp that he hoped to continue to work with Abdul-Jabbar, but Abdul-Jabbar said their association was scheduled to be lessened.

Memphis has three youthful centers, Marc Gasol (Pau's younger brother), Hamed Haddadi and first-round draft pick Hasheem Thabeet, who could benefit from Abdul-Jabbar's knowledge and experience. The four of them dined Sunday in Memphis.