James Worthy
James Worthy
Full Name and Common Aliases
James Edward Worthy is commonly known as "Big Game James." This nickname was earned during his impressive basketball career.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 27, 1961. As of my knowledge cutoff, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst.
Early Life and Background
James Worthy grew up in Gastonia, North Carolina. He was the youngest of four children born to James Edward Worthy Sr. and Dorothy Mae (née White) Worthy. His father worked as a mechanic, while his mother was a homemaker. Growing up, James was an athletic child who enjoyed playing sports like football, basketball, and baseball.
Worthy's interest in basketball began when he started attending games at nearby Belmont Abbey College. He eventually joined the school team, where he played under Coach Bill Veeck. During this time, Worthy developed his skills and caught the attention of college scouts.
Major Accomplishments
James Worthy was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982. Throughout his 12-year career with the Lakers (1982-1994), he earned multiple All-Star selections and won three NBA championships (1985, 1987, and 1988). Additionally, he was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All Time in 1996.
Worthy is also recognized for his impressive individual achievements. He finished second in the Most Valuable Player voting in 1988, and his number 42 jersey was retired by the Lakers in 2003.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Worthy has pursued a successful career as a sports analyst. After retiring from basketball, he began working as an NBA analyst for Turner Broadcasting System (TBS). He currently serves as a studio analyst for TNT.
Worthy is involved with various charitable initiatives, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His dedication to philanthropy has made a lasting impact on his community.
Impact and Legacy
James Worthy's impact extends far beyond his impressive basketball career. As one of the greatest Lakers in franchise history, he inspired countless fans with his playing style and accomplishments. Off the court, his commitment to charitable causes has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire others.
Worthy's leadership on and off the court earned him recognition as an NBA All-Star for 12 consecutive seasons (1981-1992). He also received numerous accolades for his philanthropic work, including being named one of the Top 10 Most Charitable Athletes in Sports by _Sports Business Journal_ in 2019.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
James Worthy's quotes often focus on perseverance and teamwork. As a player, he consistently demonstrated these values through his dedication to the game and his teammates. His words of wisdom continue to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Worthy's enduring legacy serves as a testament to his hard work, determination, and generosity. He remains an iconic figure in the world of basketball, and his influence extends far beyond the court.
Quotes by James Worthy


He (Pola) told me about his business and I was curious, ... I could see this was a great team.

I like the game the way it was, because there seemed to be a little more respect for your opponents and for your own teammates, ... The game was played, in my opinion, way differently - more as a team.

In going from sports to business, you can bring some of the same principles. There's a lot of correlation between the two worlds.

It wasn't hatred, ... It was playoffs, time to focus on the Celtics, and I'm not going to be friendly until maybe I see you in the Bahamas in July and August and maybe we can catch up. That's just the way it was.


We had a chance to win Game Two with about six or seven seconds to go and we were under the Celtics' basket,


