As a London-based social psychologist who’s obsessed with human resilience, I was struck by the quiet power of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1987 Finals performance. At 39, he averaged 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a block every other game — shooting 51%. This wasn’t just basketball; it was a lesson in aging gracefully under pressure. In this piece, I unpack what his legacy teaches us about identity, endurance, and redefining success beyond youth. If you’ve ever worried about 'peaking too early,' this is for you.