In a blowout of the Lakers in 2007, Mutombo blocked five shots, moving past Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become second in career blocked shots. Only Hakeem Olajuwon, the former Rockets great and an inspiration to Mutombo as a fellow African, collected more. Mutombo finished with 3,289. Olajuwon had 3,830.

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died Monday from brain cancer. The Congolese American earned eight-time All-Star selections and was named the NBA's defensive player of the year four times during his pro career.

Hall of Famer, humanitarian and legendary shot blocker Dikembe Mutombo has died at 58, the NBA announced on Monday. The cause of death was brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in October 2022. Mutombo was surrounded by his family when he passed.