Of the dozens of photographers to shoot the “Showtime” Lakers during the 1980s, one stands out as perhaps the master of them all. Malek Abdul-Mansour could anticipate moments before they happened. Since he played college and pro basketball, the multi-talented athlete-artist saw things that other cameramen couldn’t. He was able to read a Lakers fast break and a Magic Johnson no-look pass like a former hooper, giving him a strategic advantage in such a competitive field. A charismatic renaissance man who mingled with celebrities – whether it was working out in Bruce Lee’s back yard or training NBA players in the offseason– he established a particularly close friendship with his former UCLA teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Soon, Malek found himself on the floor of the Fabulous Forum covering one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties while his buddy was on the verge of reaching the game’s most coveted milestone. Who did Sports Illustrated trust to get the shot of Kareem breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time scoring record in 1984? You guessed it. Malek.

Presented in this auction (Lots 242-247) is an incredible collection of 25 original Malek Mansour Type 1 photographs covering some of the biggest games and moments in 1980s Showtime Lakers lore. His buddy, Kareem, is the central subject featured either solo releasing one of his majestic sky hooks or alongside fellow Hall of Fame teammates Magic, James Worthy, Jamaal Wilkes, etc. Highlights include: Kareem’s record-setting field goal in flight against the Utah Jazz on April 5, 1984, to pass Wilt (encapsulated PSA/DNA Type 1); six Kareem action shots from Lakers vs. Celtics clashes in the 1984 NBA Finals (three PSA/DNA Type 1); and five autographed (three PSA/DNA 10 Auto.) by Kareem including one shaking Wilt’s hand in the 4/5/84 post-game ceremony.

Mansour initially put together an album with his favorite shots he took of Kareem and, together, they presented it as a birthday gift to Kareem’s former girlfriend, Brenda Venus, in the mid-1980s. The voluptuous model/actress and notable Henry Miller muse – now a best-selling author herself – has decided to consign the collection after forty years.

As part of Ms. Venus’ gift, 24 (all 8x10s) of the 25 original photos were initially displayed within a brown leather-bound album with “Kareem” in gold calligraphy on the front cover. It came with a separate 7.5” by 9.5” shot, glued to a black cardboard matte, showing Norm Nixon, Kareem, Magic & Silk’s faces as they watch from the Lakers bench during the 1980 NBA Finals against the 76ers. Kareem has autographed this one with “For Brenda” inscribed in 8/10 black marker. Notations in gold by Malek Mansour read “To Brenda 2-7-83” at the top left corner with his credit “Abdul-Mansour 1980” at the lower right-hand corner. On the reverse, Malek has handwritten in pencil, “This is the first color print that I have ever done by hand. Printed by me, Malek Abdul-Mansour 2-3-83”.

We selected nine photos from the collection to be authenticated by PSA/DNA. Four are dual-authenticated as Type 1 with Authentic or perfect 10 auto grades. Fifteen have been kept in the binder. All present in pristine condition and merit Type 1 certification.

We are offering this collection as either one lot here or split into six separate lots (242-247). Whichever accumulates the highest bid total – this lot or the sum of Lots 242 through 247 – will sell.