Former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been arrested on suspicion on driving under the influence of marijuana.

Abdul-Jabbar was taken into custody on Tuesday after a police officer who pulled him over for speeding smelt marijuana fumes coming from the car.

The former Los Angeles Laker legend was released after being booked on a misdemeanour charge.

Officer Eduardo Funes said of the incident:

"Mr Abdul-Jabbar was very respectful of the officers who arrested him, and very co-operative."

Fined

It is the second time in the space of two years that Abdul-Jabbar has been in trouble over marijuana.

In the spring of 1998, the star was fined after surrendering a small amount to officers at a Toronto airport.

He admitted later that year that he used the drug to help with his migraine problem.

"I use it to control the nausea which comes with the headaches," said Abdul-Jabbar.

The 53-year-old is the NBA's leading all-time scorer with 38,387 points in the regular season and scored 44,149 points altogether including the play-offs.

His career lasted 20 seasons, playing in 19 All-Star games and winning six MVP awards.