Dr. J's famous dunk turns 40 years old on Jan. 5, 2023. Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Dr. J's 'Rock the Cradle' slam dunk on 40th anniversary

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/5/23

His official name is Julius Winfield Erving II, but he became better known around the NBA and in sports culture in general as Dr. J in the '70s and '80s.

Dr. J was as much a basketball superstar as he was an icon. He was as effective on the court — averaging 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game — as he was flashy.

Speaking of flashy, the dunk that arguably made him an icon celebrates its 40th birthday today. On Jan. 5, 1983 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Erving hit the dunk that's still highlight-worthy to this day:

January 5, 1983: Dr. J throws down his iconic “Rock the Cradle” dunk against the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/JP64SDvHpU
— This Day In Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) January 5, 2023

In a league that has since given us Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, LeBron James, Blake Griffin and other stars, Dr. J's dunk still stands the test of time as perhaps the best of the best.

Between the ABA and NBA, Dr. J played professional basketball for 16 seasons, and he was an All-Star for every single one of them. He's a four-time MVP, seven-time All-NBA player, Hall of Famer and a legend.

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