Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lew AlcindorIf you haven't been following the NBA play-offs, your first thought on hearing the finals matchup -- other than, Seriously? The NBA play-offs are still going on? -- might be, Not Celtics vs. Lakers again!

We basketball purists, however, like to think of the Boston / Los Angeles (and, before that, the Boston/Minneapolis) duel as a classic sports matchup, an enduring archetype now in its 12th-most-welcome incarnation. Each edition has had its own idiosyncrasies, but every installment adds yet more fire to one of the sporting world's most storied rivalries.

To celebrate a dirty dozen of these bi-coastal battles, here's our salute to the coolest participant in the heralded '80s versions. While Larry and Magic stole the headlines for their performances on the court, veteran center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar looked the best doing it.

His career included gracefully perfecting a near-unstoppable signature shot (the Skyhook), scoring more points than any other player, fighting Bruce Lee in "The Game of Death" and a hilarious role in "Airplane." But surely earning the NBA Finals MVP at age 38, while helping the Lakers finally break their losing streak in the process counts as a most impressive highlight.

Abdul-Jabbar is on the bench coaching this time around, but we went into the vault to find a moment where he was a fresh-faced, dapper UCLA coed named Lew Alcindor, back in 1967 -- when the Celtics/Lakers NBA Championship showdown was a mere five editions old.

Tonello Jacket
How many of UCLA's current student athletes strut around campus looking this suave, we wonder? To fully emulate young Lew's collegiate look, you'll want to go trawling thrift stores for a classic tweed blazer. For a more summer-appropriate -- and Internet-purchase-able -- option, try this natty check jacket. ($304 from Yoox.com)

Pinpoint Oxford Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt (in White)
To complement an old-school blazer, try this suitably timeless Oxford-style shirt from American Apparel. ($54 from AmericanApparel.net)

Forzieri Solid Blue Twill Silk Narrow Tie
Abdul-Jabbar's skinny tie works well with his lanky frame and has the effect of making him look proportioned, rather than beanpole thin. ($59 from Forzieri.com)

John W. Nordstrom Linen Pocket Square
It's little touches, like a pocket square -- here in blue and white to match the jacket, shirt and tie combo -- that elevate an outfit from the merely smart to the super-cool and memorable. ($39.50 from Nordstrom.com)

Grey Pindot Slim Fit Trousers
Simple gray slacks in a pin-dot style match the Oxford-shirt patterning. Sadly, they're not readily available in a 52-inch leg. ($55 from TopMan.com)

 ASOS Made in Great Britain Patent and Suede Brogues
The perfect shoes to complete Alcindor's snappily sophisticated ensemble. The brogue detailing says "well-attired '60s college student," while the patent leather says "future basketball superstar." ($220 from ASOS.com)