Offensive Game
Career 17.6 PPG scorer and 1988 Finals MVP. Smooth, efficient scorer who thrived in transition and dominated in the post. His one-handed baseline dunk was virtually unstoppable in the 1980s.
Career Journey
James Ager Worthy is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Big Game James", he played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Worthy was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Team member who won three NBA championships and was voted the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1988. He was named to both the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
Offensive Game
Career 17.6 PPG scorer and 1988 Finals MVP. Smooth, efficient scorer who thrived in transition and dominated in the post. His one-handed baseline dunk was virtually unstoppable in the 1980s.
Defensive Game
Elite wing defender who could guard multiple positions. His length, athleticism, and competitiveness made him a key component of the Showtime Lakers defensive identity.
Intangibles
Smart, selfless player who understood his role perfectly within the Showtime system. Maximized efficiency by making correct decisions quickly — one of Pat Riley's most trusted players.
All articles
James Worthy's 36-16-10 triple-double in Game 7 of the 1988 Finals remains one of the greatest closeout performances in NBA history. His #42 represents clutch excellence across 12 Showtime seasons.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers
1982-1994
3x NBA Champion
1985, 1987, 1988
1x NBA Finals MVP
1988 — 36 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast in Game 7
7x NBA All-Star
1986-1992
Big Game James
Elevated play in biggest moments — career 21.1 ppg playoffs
2x All-NBA Third Team
1990, 1991
16,320 Career Points
17.6 ppg career average
NCAA Champion
1982 — hit title-winning shot for North Carolina vs Georgetown
Showtime Lakers Core
Key member of 1980s Showtime dynasty alongside Magic and Kareem
Career Earnings
~$17M
Estimated total NBA career salary
Endorsements
Spectrum SportsNet
Los Angeles Lakers TV analyst and broadcaster
2002-present
Nike
Endorsed during playing career in the 1980s-90s
1982-1994
Personal Life & Family
Partner
Angela Wilder
Children (2)
Off the Court
James Worthy Foundation
Youth basketball camps
Did You Know?
Hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship — the same game where a freshman Michael Jordan hit the go-ahead jumper
Earned the nickname 'Big Game James' for his ability to elevate his play in the biggest moments
Had a 36-16-10 triple-double in the clinching Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals to win Finals MVP
Has been a beloved Lakers TV analyst since retirement, earning a new generation of fans
Career Honors
7x NBA All-Star
3x NBA Champion
1988 NBA Finals MVP
1982 NCAA Tournament MOP
Jersey #42 retired by Lakers
Basketball Hall of Fame 2003
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