NBA's Greatest Players in History: James Worthy

• Seven-time NBA All-Star (1986–1992)
• Three-time NBA champion (1985, 1987, 1988)
• 1988 NBA Finals MVP with a triple-double in Game 7
• Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team

James Worthy was a key cog in the Lakers' 1980s dynasty, earning the moniker "Big Game James" for his clutch performances in crucial moments.

Overview

James Worthy's arrival to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982 as the first overall draft pick out of North Carolina marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would help define one of the NBA's most dominant eras. Worthy's exceptional blend of speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him the perfect complement to Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, forming a triumvirate that would terrorise the league for nearly a decade.

Career snapshot

Worthy's 12-year NBA career was spent entirely with the Lakers, where he averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His regular-season numbers, however impressive, pale in comparison to his playoff performances, where he truly earned his "Big Game" moniker. In 143 playoff games, Worthy elevated his game, averaging 21.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Playing style

Worthy's game was characterised by his explosive first step, graceful spin moves, and thunderous dunks. Standing at 6'9" with the agility of a guard, he was a nightmare for defenders, equally capable of posting up smaller players or blowing past larger ones. His ambidextrous finishing ability made him unpredictable near the rim, and his mid-range jumper kept defences honest.

What set Worthy apart was his ability to thrive in the Lakers' fast-break offence. He was often the beneficiary of Magic Johnson's no-look passes, finishing with authority on the break. In half-court sets, Worthy's footwork and post moves made him a reliable scoring option, particularly when games slowed down in the playoffs.

Why James Worthy is on our list

James Worthy's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his pivotal role in the Lakers' success during the 1980s and his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most. His Finals MVP performance in 1988, capped by a triple-double in Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons, stands as one of the greatest clutch performances in NBA history.

Worthy's impact extended beyond statistics. His versatility allowed the Lakers to matchup effectively against a variety of opponents, and his willingness to adapt his game to complement his superstar teammates was crucial to the team's chemistry. In an era dominated by some of the greatest players in NBA history, Worthy consistently held his own and often outshone his more celebrated peers in critical moments.

Five Fast Facts

1. Nicknamed "Big Game James" for his clutch performances in important games
2. Wore his iconic goggles after suffering a scratched cornea early in his career
3. Scored a career-high 38 points in Game 4 of the 1989 NBA Finals
4. One of only seven Lakers to have their jersey number (42) retired
5. Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and later selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Career Highlights Timeline

1982: Selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers

1983: Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team despite missing the end of the season due to injury

1985: Won his first NBA championship, averaging 21.5 points per game in the Finals against the Boston Celtics

1986: Made his first NBA All-Star appearance

1987: Secured his second NBA championship, playing a crucial role in the Lakers' victory over the Celtics

1988: Earned NBA Finals MVP honours, leading the Lakers to back-to-back titles with a memorable Game 7 performance

1991: Played in his final NBA Finals, falling to the Chicago Bulls

1994: Retired from the NBA after 12 seasons with the Lakers

2003: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

James Worthy's legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history is cemented not just by his impressive accolades, but by his ability to deliver in the most pressure-packed moments. His combination of physical gifts, basketball intelligence, and clutch performances made him an integral part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. Worthy's career serves as a testament to the importance of versatility, adaptability, and rising to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

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