NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar teases Donald Trump by introducing himself as Michael Jordan

Former NBA star brings down the house at Democratic National Convention by suggesting Republican nominee wouldn't be able to tell them apart

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of basketball's most recognisable figures, introduced himself as Michael Jordan, another iconic sportsman, at the Democratic National Convention in a joke at Donald Trump's expense.

“I'm Michael Jordan, and I'm here with Hillary,” said Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to loud applause and laughter. “I said that because I know Donald Trump couldn't tell the difference.”

The retired Laker told the story of the late army captain Humayun Khan, one of 14 Muslim American soldiers and an immigrant from the United Arab Emirates who died in combat serving their country since 9/11.

When Mr Khan, who adopted his Muslim name at the age of 24, came to the US with his family, their first stop was the Jefferson Memorial.

“The words engraved there read, 'I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal, hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man,’” he said.

“Donald Trump's idea to register Muslims and prevent them from entering our country is the very tyranny Jefferson abhorred.

He called out laws like the religious freedom act passed by Indiana governor Mike Pence went against Jefferson’s 1777 Virginia statute for religious freedom, because they legalize discrimination.

“And at its core, discrimination is a result of fear,” he said. ”Those who think Americans scare easily, enough to abandon our country's ideals for a false sense of security, underestimate our resolve. To them, we say only this: 'Not here, not ever.'“

The ballplayer was joined by Humayun Khan's parents, who said they were “patriotic American Muslims” and proud of their son.

His father, Khizr Khan, also criticized the Republican nominee for consistently “smearing” Muslims’ characters.

“He disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership. He wants to build walls and ban us from this country.”

Donald Trump called for a temporary ban of all Muslims entering the US last year.

He has since said he would “like to hit” the DNC attendees who spoke against him this week.