NBA Legends Explain Why James Worthy Was Unique
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- čas přidán 3. 12. 2022
- #jamesworthy #nba #michaeljordan
In this Video NBA Legends Explain How Good James Worthy was.
James worthy played for the Los Angeles Lakers
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It’s crazy to me that Worthy isn’t remembered or respected more. That guy was instrumental in Lakers chip dubs in the 80s. Great player, very fun to watch!
Never mind the Lakers he carried Jordan in North Carolina
Him and Magic together one of the greatest Duos and the rest of that bunch
He played for lakers and was 3rd or 4th option
Could have been #1 option at his position on most teams in the NBA during the time he played
Must not have watched basketball in the 80s
I agree!! As a Celtics fan, I feared Worthy the most!! He was clutch late in the game! And Just like Dennis Johnson, the late great DJ!! Bird said on more than one occasion that they couldn't have won without DJ and he was the best teammate he ever had and made him a better player!!
As a Celtic fan, Worthy was the one I feared. You never knew when he'd take the shot and he was clutch when they needed that basket. The guys you love to hate!!! Rivalries are the best in sports and it's a downright shame our kids are not experiencing what we had!!
I as a longtime Lakers fan got to see Worthy play at the Forum from '85 to '91; he was a very exciting player especially on fast breaks. I even once got to see your Celtics play at the old Boston Garden in early 1988 vs Charles Barkley and the Sixers; that was quite an experience that I will never forget. Your right about the 80's Lakers-Celtics rivalry was the greatest ever; they'll never be anything like that again. Great memories though.
I respect that, felt the same about Bird. We hated him in LA but you can’t deny the man was a walking bucket but also had great vision, passing ability, etc. Grew to hate him less and respect him more.
@@obatron1 Same here, I hated him back then but I feared him cause he was so clutch and could make that big bucket anytime. I respected his toughness! I remember when he called his own team sissies after a Finals loss to the Lakers and also him throwing the ball at Laimbeer. Those were classic moments, as well as the trash talk was funny.
Those were the best times, I know you feared James and I feared Bird and Mchale as well.
I felt the same about Larry. After Magic, he was my favorite player. I would always get the LA Times to read the Laker and Celtic box scores.
So glad you did this vid. Most Laker fans know about how Worthy single-handedly won game #7 vs. Detroit in 1988 finals: 44 mins, 15-22 (that's 68% shooting in a game 7! Legendary!), 36 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast. What fans don't know about Worthy is his fg%. In his first 9 years, he never shot LESS than 52% (while averaging about 20 ppg too). That's LBJ level stuff. Lastly, "Big Game James" really started in 1982. NCAA Final vs. Georgetown, people remember Jordan's jumper to put UNC ahead with 15 secs left, but Worthy led all scorers with 28 pts on 13-17 shooting. Incredible player.
No. He's better..he doesn't buckle under pressure.
@@charlesaaronte9105 better than LeBron yea
I'd take worthy over LeBron all day
Hell, yeah.
Worthy was also a COMPLETE basketball player,he could score/shoot,pass the ball and defend different players one-on-one ( this is a dig at Kobe,didn't need to shoot the ball 30 times a game )
I used to say James had the quickest first step in the league back then, especially turning around going base line.
He was arguably the best fast-break player ever. His combination of speed, athleticism and basketball IQ made him deadly when he filled the lanes. It’s true that guys like Chambers and Wilkins would’ve won titles if they had been there, instead of James, but I don’t think it would’ve been at quite the same level of success, either. I think Worthy’s overall impact was greater.
@@smoothALOE Worthy was always locked into the game. Notice every thought is to get the ball in the basket as quickly as possible.
He’s NEVER overlooked by the Lakers faithful! Thank you so much for another great video!
I remember back in the day watching the road games on KCAL 9. If it was a close game but James scored 28 or 30 we won. He would put the team on his back. The opposition could not stop him. What a player.
Never
Dudes that know their bball know he was a certified Gun.. one of the most underappreciated players of all time.
Him and Bernard king are the most underrated small forwards of all time for my money I rate them a head of lebrom Jame
Fuc credit ,,,cash only
In my hood on southside playgrounds of Chicago, when Worthy was at North Carolina we all called him, " Da Word." Then once he got to the league he played behind the great Silk Wilk. But when he became a starter and started taken over games,then playoff series and became finals MVP, he became known as, " Big Game James." One of the craziest things about his game,he would drag his leg at times as if he had an injury. But once you saw him fly out on the break, or be a blur on one of his many post moves,you knew he was abnormal and one of the all time greats hands down.
He's pivotal to the Lakers winning those championships in the eighties. I'm glad that he played for them. One of the greatest players to ever do it. He gets over looked a lot and that's not right.
I remember the 1984 Finals, Game 2. James Worthy threw the ball to Gerald Henderson. I wish the Lakers selected 'Nique in that draft instead of Worthy.
@@overratedgm5713Game2 is inconsequential in a 7 game series, don’t ya know?
@@clu4u No, the Lakers won Game 1 in Boston, and if Worthy doesn't make that bad pass in Game 2, they are up 2-0 going back to LA. All the Lakers have to do is inbound the ball and get it to the front court, and they win. Since they lost the series in 7 games, that one game was the difference.
IF he doesn't go down against the Bulls in 91, L A WINS that, hands down, He as ALREADY hurt coming IN and Pippen had NO IDEA how to stop him, watch the tapes!!
@@sezwah1414 I agree with you, however Scott got hurt as well. Also, the Lakers were too cheap to re-sign Michael Cooper, I think he would have been the difference maker.
The greatest thing about Worthy is despite having absolute top level talent he was no ego clown. He approached the game like a guy who barely made the team.
Don't forget that spin move and layup was with either hand. It didn't matter what block or what side of the lane he was on.
Must of been a Carolina thing with the spin, some said Jordan was the quickest, as a Celtics fan back then I'd always so no, James is the quickest, hell, we all knew it was coming but he still went by so many defenders.
If you ever get a chance , try to find the Lakers playoff game at dallas , i believe it was '88' gm3 or 4 ... Worthy was on the wing with the ball in a half-court set ... his old teammate sam perkins was guarding him , when it looked like he was headed for the baseline ... & all of a sudden , he did that SPIN-MOVE you were talking about ... he spun back inside & DUNKED over-top of sam & either roy tarpley or james donaldson ! ... lt was 1 of the NASTIEST , MOST VICIOUS ln Game Dunks , i EVER SEEN ! ... Worthy was a Very Unique Player ... l remember on defense sometimes they would match him up on scoring guards , UN-HEARD OF At The Time ! ... When he 1st came into the league , he couldnt shoot that good ... He worked on it , & at the end of his career , he became proficient from 3pt ...Which with all his moves rendered him virtually UN-GUARDABLE , HE WAS A NIGHTMARE for the opposition ! ... When you brought up that 'Spin-Move' , a flood of memories took me back ... to the GREATEST ERA OF BASKETBALL THERE EVER HAS BEEN ! ... THANKS , MY FRIEND 👊
His Achilles heel / kryptonite was the Houston Rockets with Sampson and Olajuwon. His game was all about getting within 10 feet of the basket where those monsters patrolled. If Sampson would have stayed healthy Worthy would have been forced to reinvent his game a bit.
James Worthy was one of my favorite players growing up! Another thing that doesn't get mentioned is that James Worthy every now and then could stick the 3! Thanks for the memories dear James and God bless you and your loved ones!
I totally agree . I was always amazed by Worthys speed. Underrated player . Loved the Laker/Celtic rivalry back in the day.
The Lakers were a very strong team when they had Magic, James and Kareem.
And it's really amazing that all three of them have won the NBA Finals MVP.
I miss the 80's NBA when the Lakers, Celtics, Sixers, Pistons and Bulls were in their prime.
Man oh man to I agree. I couldn't wait when I knew the Lakers and Celtics were playing each other.
that 1987 Lakers team mighta been the most complete team ever.
Ide. Say that the Bulls team we're in their prime in 1991 or 1993.
He won that Finals MVP with Rodman guarding him. That tells you how good he was.
James Worthy I salute you. You changed the game with you footwork , spins and skills. Lightening quick. I will never forget how bad he was bro.
Worthy had a diagonal move--almost like he was moving from one step-and-jump on a direct 45-degree angle toward the basket. I never saw anyone else do that. It wasn't just that he went up--he went LATERAL at the same time.
So underrated in the shadow of Kareem n Magic. Worthy is a great player standing alone ❤
One of the best finishers of all time. That first step along the baseline oooof ⚡
Baddest man on the wing on a fast break,always finished with authority.Big game James was no joke.
Better yet, he finished with certainty
True,I lightweight believe Dominique Wilkins was better. He just didn't have the squad.
Big James was my favorite basketball play many great memories watching him play in my youth so glad I got to see this time in basketball.
So many young fans know that Jordan hit the winning shot in the NCAA Championship game against Georgetown. Unfortunately, most young fans NEVER have watched that game. Ewing was the top college freshman in that game, and Worthy was the most dominant player in that game with 28 points on 13 of 17 shooting from the field. That's amazing given he was going against one of the greatest college centers of all-time (Ewing).
The 80’s Lakers fast break was a thing to behold and Big Game James was a huge part of that.
As a #Birdgang member, I despised the Lakers in the 80's, but they were the most talented team overall in that time.
I've ALWAYS said that Worthy was the SMOOTHEST player I've ever seen, before or since. He was actually a pleasure to watch play just for the sake of "raw" athleticism and particularly how he just plain MOVED for a 6'9" guy like he was. Not that Larry ever was known to "D you up," one-on-one, but I recall a particular play when Bird was positioned correctly, of course - it's LARRY FREAKIN' BIRD! - but Worthy was near the sideline near the corner and simply did a quick spin-move to the baseline, and did a reverse-jam off the baseline...he was just a beautiful player, simply put.
Me too!!! Worthy was the one I feared the most!!! You never knew when he would take a shot, he made those late game clutch shots that just punched you in the gut!! Awesome player to watch, Smooth flow, you're right!! He was a classy guy also. Did you see his interview where he said Larry bird was harder to guard than Michael Jordan? Kareem and Magic said it also and I know of many more.
Agreed, I hated Magic especially with that dam goatee, Kareem old @$$ but never really hated James cause he was Worthy...
Those were the Lakers that I grew up on. Lots of people hated the Showtime nickname, but what they didn't realize was that the DEFENSE was the reason for Showtime. AC Green, Rambis, even Kareem was decent in the later years. But as soon as Magic got the ball, he ran like a gazelle it seemed like. He knew where James was before James himself knew.
He was unreal.
Justice and respect for James Worthy. He could easily have been the superstar of any team. His speed could overwhelm any era of NBA basketball.
He was one of my fav player. Sensational. He performed the spin move best.
I started watching basketball in 90s and now i am feel so regretful (and also surprised) not knowing that James got A LOT in his bag. He got lots of great moves. Thanks Sean!
Worthy was the Man!!! I was very quick and I added his post action to my game.
James Worthy was known as the "fastest forward in the NBA". He's the fastest I've seen. He has this move posting up..when the ball touches his palm..he would would turn right away to the baseline and drive to the basket for a dunk.
You hit the nail right on the head. Worthy had a very unique style of play. Certified BEAST.
Big Game James is one of my ALL TIME favorite players! When Showtime was happening, I was a Lakers fan, and my brother was a Celtics fan. When the Lakers played, I would scream and jump up and down, going out of my mind. My brother said, "why are you getting SOOOO amped up?" I told him that there will be many new champions in the future, but there will never be a team quite like this one. As of this moment, there has never been a Showtime team quite like this one, and Mr. Worthy was right in the middle of it. Peace.
Great video giving James Worthy his due.. He was big and FAST.. One of the ways to beat the Lakers was to slow them down. Why was this important? Because Worthy was so FAST...Lakers were the fastest team. Magic was like a quarter back looking for the long bomb to Worthy or Kareem.. Great teams in the 80's. Great talent..
I was lucky to get to watch Worthy growing up. He always came up the biggest in the biggest games/moments. I remember countless times how he got The Forum crowd absolutely deafening and rocking with his fast break plays and big shots. He was a baller.
I remember going to the Forum as well. It was a place for gladiators it seems. The lighting put all of the attention on the game. James on the break was electrifying. Sometimes he would glide across the lane and in the air he'd hold up the ball and gently leave it on the rim. It was poetry. I think I liked those moves more than the dunks.
@@monica93304 There was something special about the Forum you could just feel the energy and the vibe if felt intimate and you felt a sense of Unity.
@@rohaun8196 AGREED!
James Worthy. Wow, what a delight to see him play. Isiah Thomas, you tell the stories with such joy...thank you.
During his college career, James Worthy was the most valuable player and I’m saying that over Michael Jordan . And I am a huge Michael Jordan fan. But I watch their entire college careers. Big game James always came through for Carolina. UNC
Well to be fair, Worthy was a junior when Jordan was a freshman. Worthy had already been playing for two years when Jordan joined the team. So of course he was further along. Both players were amazing.
@@Ken5244 good point ..
Great to hear from so many of Worthy's opponents how he was so outstanding! Thank you!
The Lakers with James Worthy were scary even when their opponents were up by 20 pts. I don’t know of any team that were that likely to go on a 15-20 minute run and and your lead just seemed to disappear.
I still don't think I've ever seen a forward with James Worthy's speed. The players said it all. He could run the break and fill lanes sure but what always shocked me was his post moves. He would get the ball in the post and this is in the 80's when there were 6 other guys in the paint already and he would spin on his man and dunk it before anyone could get near him or he would turn to the middle and put up a short jumper in a fraction of a second. The ball never stopped on the way up, he started his shooting motion as he was moving and the ball was gone before the defender could extend his arm up. And these shots would go in more often than not. Incredible.
Thanks for covering Worthy. I agree he often doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Thank you for this video. He should've been on the Dream Team in 1992... I mean, Scottie Pippen was two years into being the Scottie Pippen that we all know as an all-time great, but Big Game James was a three-time champ at that point, a Finals MVP, had his 7th and final All-Star season in 91-92 while averaging 20, 6 and 5 in his first season without Magic (Pippen averaged 21, 8, and 6). Yes, Pippen was the champ, younger, and MJ's sidekick, but James had the better body of work at that time and, again, was coming off of an All-Star season. They're both "greats" now, but at that time, James was already considered as such, whilst Scottie was simply, in NBA marketing language of the time, "Fantastic".
Oh how I miss the showtime lakers
I miss the old NBA. The euro step made me quit watching.
That little drop step he did backing people down at the post...
Had we not GIFTED Boston that series back in 1984, worthy was walking away with that MVP! I'm still haunted by that series today😮
Once Worthy had the ball on the baseline and held the ball away from the defender, it was over. You couldn't stop him going to the rim. Magic on the break with Cooper and Worthy on each of the wings, was a problem.
He had the quickes first step of any big men in the post I've ever seen. By far
I love James Worthy he was quick and he recognizes mismatches he's hard to guard. He's a terrific player and with Magic Johnson their phenomenal.
it's great to hear players of opposing teams talk about another player's strength. all NBA players always have something positive to say about each other's game/style despite playing against each other in their careers.
Big Game James! This guy was on another level come finals time! Not many have such a stats differential from reg to playoffs!
Big Game James one of the best forwards to play back when forwards played down on the block and knew how to fill the lane
As a life long Lakers fan I remember watching all his big moments.
Big Game James is one of my ALL TIME favorite players!
I agree with you Sean. If worthy would’ve ended up on a bad team as the number one option he would’ve been averaging 25-30 ppg for his career and gotten a lot more clout. Plus, according to MJ, worthy was the only person to beat him in one on one back in their unc days. 😮
Props 2 him 4 believing n the system
Magic wouldn't be Magic without this man.
I have to agree. His spin slam! was the quickest move I've ever seen. I miss Chick Hearn.
Humble guy not under Los Angeles spotlight what a quickness when he moves great finisher a great player thank you James
When contrary team was scoring .... James Worthy was already running to the other end for the fastbreak. I think Magic to Worthy pass play was clocked in 2 or 3 seconds for fastbreaks at one point of time. He was unstoppable. For me that was really show time.
Thank you for this awesome video! Big Game James was my favorite player growing up. I don’t know of any current NBA players who can cover the court in a couple of strides besides Giannis.
I've said the same thing as you do for years. I am glad that you highlighted what we both already know. Worthy was no joke.
So good to c Worthy get some well overdue recognition! Great video!!
Worthy was sooooo smooth on the court too. Nothing looks forced
Agree 100%! Loved watching WORTHY WITH HIS TRADEMARK NEW BALANCE!
Watching JW in action was mesmerizing. Lightning speed!
I met Big Game James back in 1997 and he was such a pleasant and humble man and really tall and big I wondered he could be so quick. Yes he was really so underrated.
As a Detroit Piston fan I hated him because he gave us the business... Because he was so quick that they cannot stop him... John salley or Rick Mahorn... The only one gave him problems was Dennis Rodman...
Great memories being a Bad Boys fan back then
Worthy had the touch. He was among the best players in the league when the league was at its best. Another player I wish would've had an injury free career. He deserved more peak years. James Worthy, in the unlikely chance you ever read this, know that I highly respect you and I'll always be grateful for what you brought to the game.
It was like he could be down the court in 3 steps. Never seen anyone cover so much ground so quickly. Magic was the brains behind Showtime...Worthy was its body.
Big game James will never be forgoten by all the people that watched him hes another legend that would destroy todays players! His fast break tomahawk dunk was mind blowing he could run the court all night!His first step was unstoppable!lightning!
I hate when LeBron is added to greatest Lakers lists but people forget Worthy. One of my favorite players growing up.
You hate , other people's lists.. ?? I hope you're dwelling is rubber.
@@ChristianityTookMyBabyAway I think you should learn to read and worry about your own house
@@kmack311 oh OK, you're just dramatic.. never mind
Worthy and Pau Gasol are better Lakers than LeBron
@@clevisbernier8973 True. Easily true.
I was raised to absolutely hate the Lakers. That said James Worthy was quite possibly the most underrated player I have ever seen in my lifetime. Everyone talks Magic and Kareem, but I promise you without Worthy there would be no rings back then.
Prime Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Duckworth, Buck Williams and crew. I remember a western conference matchup with the Lakers one year and it was still the first half and Portland was getting run out of the building by the Lakers fast break... so we took a time out and as the camera pans over to the Blazer bench all you can see is the aforementioned Blazers just sitting on their chairs leaning all the way back and GASPING for air. That was the James Worthy effect. I still remember it to this day. Show Time Lakers would kill your conditioning by halftime and we had to see them 6-8 times a year not counting playoffs. Thank you for making this video btw just subbed.
Hey Sean another guy people forget about on the early Showtime Lakers is Jamaal Wilkes. He was a 4 time champ, Hall of Famer, 3x All Star, 2x All-Defense, and was rookie of the year for GSW even though he played the bulk of his career with L.A.
Quick spin to the baseline. And tomahawk dunk. I think he had a beard at 15.
Watch his first step... shit was and still is one of the best I've seen...💯💯💯
AS a kid, James Worthy was my sports idol. He is the one I wanted to emulate when I played. Excellent fast break player, very balanced player in half court play inside and outside. AC Green was as well on that team
I loved this video. Worthy was amazing and glad you finally gave the man a video and the props
Worthy was a joy to watch. Iaiah said it best. James was a top 20 player.
Big Game was the most graceful Laker, he didn't have kobe s agility but quick first step, spin moves,up and unders, pump fakes,finger rolls, and he would dunk on you off 1 leg.....Him and Byron's speed was crucial to that showtime fastbreak....#RipChic
The quickest forward ever that first step to the basket no one could keep up with him. If you blinked he was gone....
Reminds me of Connie Hawkins.
Im so glad to find this video and see you did a Video on Worthy. I grew up just up the road from UNC and lived in winston slaem area most of my life before moving to Ohio a few years ago. I remember Worthy in college and the Pros....loved him....the guy was never given as much hype or attention as he deserved as a player. Though Worthy won a National Championship at UNC he was forced to share the stardom during that season with super freshmen Sam Perkins and Michael Jordan. Worthy was great his first two years at Carolina but also was never given his due truly there because Carolina under Dean Smith always had powerhouse teams and most of the roster was full of high school all- americans. In college Worthy was a like like Jordan in that both players it was obvious were athletic and talented but because of Dean Smith's strict team concept you never really knew just how good either of those guys could be until they got to the Pro's. In the NBA Worthy was always the 3rd guy the guy who never got his due even though he hoestly was a far superior defender than Magic ever was and than Kareem was in the later stages of his career. If Worthy had been drafted by a rebuilding team like Jordan was when he got taken by the Bulls then I am positive Worthy would have put up numbers much like that of an Alex English or Adrian Dantley in those days and easily averaged over 20 points a game every single season of his career. The thing was Worthy never got the ball like that with the Lakers because they had Kareem who was still pumping in the points early in Worthy's career and then there was Magic who ran the show as the point guard that could also score the ball. The Lakers didnt really begin to look to Worthy as a main scoring option until his 3rd year or so and even as Kareem aged in the late 80s and was no longer as big a scorer, Worthy was often the 3rd player mentioned by fans when they talked about the Lakers behind Kareem and Magic. If he was even mentioned then. But if it was not for Worthy being so talented on both ends of the court especially on Defense guarding the other teams best players always. The Lakers probably dont win all those titles during Worthys career. Worthy was impossible to stop in his prime and one of my favorite players of all time.
That baseline spin is engraved in my mind
Dawg my favorite. Big game James! From Carolina to LA.
Big Game James will always be my favorite player, dude is speed, power, and grace on the floor. I LOVED watching the LAKERS in the 80's, basketball was great fun to play and watch. My friends called me one time to go do... doesn't matter, watching the LAKERS, I'll catch you guys tomorrow! ;}
James Worthy is one of the best finishers that ever played. His quick release shot was also extremely effective. One of the nicest guys you’ll meet too!
Well said and well done.
Thanks for taking us back👍👍
Smooth assassin “James Worthy” one of the best!! 🔥💰💪🏻
i liked seeing how rodman and worthy were so complimentary of each other. and its factual...rodman said worthy was the quickest player off the ball he had seen...worthy said dennis was the best athlete he played against. (and he knew how to get in your head. dennis would squeeze your butt. and for 3 quarters you would be lookin at this guy thinking...what is wrong with him?)
Sean! Appreciate the Laker love. Big Game is an excellent choice for a vid. Dude had one of the quickest first steps in NBA history. Those Statue of Liberty dunks on the fast break were a thing of beauty. McHale talks about it here but what people don't really think of was his outside shooting. Dude was buckets anywhere on the court from 18-feet in.
Wemby is better
@@dkdebest HAHAHA!!!! Time will tell. These guys play completely different positions, but whatever.
@@dkdebest wtf why come here and say that? Are you that insecure? Last I checked James Worthy won a lot of big games
What has Wemby won? NCAA chip? Nba chip? Until then don’t mention Wemby
@@oldmansportsog2514 Listen old man, the game has evolved for the better we now have super athletes as bench players that can beat worthy easy.
I used to get in wonderful arguments with my friends about James Worthy, my claim was that he's the best player EVER to have played the game. Not a showman, just the best.
James was fun to watch. Also from right here in NC!!❤
Love worthy my fav all time his game was so smooth and in big games worthy was a monster
Great player!!!! So damn humble.
Man gotta love Isaiah, he gives entertaining and exact analysis. Worthy was impossible to guard.
I went to work at the studios where they do the Lakers telecast in 2019. On my 1st day there, Big Game walked in looked over to where I was sitting and greeted me and came over and shook my hand. Of course he didn't remember I once high fived him as he walked out on The Forum floor in 1985....but, oh well.....😉. He would see me across the parking lot at the Spectrum studios and wave....😮.....I have always been a big fan 😊
James Worthy feels a little bit similar to Klay Thompson. They both have more famous teammates but they both played at the highest level in the biggest games. Glad Worthy is getting some recognition.
Hello Ryan. That's a very interesting comparison. One I'll have to think about a little longer. They had different games, but of course it's a different game now and different roles they have to fit. But it's a cool comment and I too am glad to see Worthy get his due. The NBA would be much poorer without Worthy. Obviously I really like Klay too :)
My favorite player growing up!
People watch video of the Showtime Lakers, seeing Magic dribble the ball, make some moves, and make a creative pass leading to a fast bucket. We also celebrate Magic's ability to know where everyone is on the court. What we forget is that the person on the receiving end of those highlight reel passes, more than anyone, was Worthy. Magic didn't have to worry about where James was on the court, he would be where he was supposed to be.
We rightly celebrate the pass-receive duo of Stockton and Malone. While people may think the Showtime Lakers' equivalent was Magic and Kareem, it really was Magic and James.
Big game james, he was worthy of that name 👏
These videos aren't long enough!! Your research is 🔥🔥🔥
I liked Kareem and Magic, Scott, Rambis, Cooper, but Worthy was my favorite Laker back in the day.
Ive been a Laker fan all my life. James Worthy is my Favorite Laker of all time ! Forget about his obvious talent, talk about team player and being humble, Worthy had no problems deferring to other players and NEVER complained about not getting the ball. He would D up against HOF`ers like Bird and Mchale and give you 100%. When the lights were the Brightest BIG GAME went Super Nova. Sure Miss Chic Hearns calling the games on KCLA 9 and watching Big James and The Showtime Lakers do their THANG !!!
Bernard King gets the same respect for the quick release as well as accuracy! IJS KnicksFan4Lifer representin' ;-) ...but big ups to James Worthy...loved seeing him do this thing during the Showtime Lakers of the 80s!
Big Game James was a total baller. What I really respect about the guy is that as good as he was, he never let ego get in the way of team success. Unlike a lot of great players, he could coexist with other great players and there never really was a bunch of drama about it. He never demanded a trade so he could go be the #1 guy on some other team that probably never would have gone anywhere. Very unselfish and confident enough that he didn't have some need to be perceived as "the alpha". Unbelievable athleticism for a guy that's 6'10 to be that quick and fast. Combine that with an ability to step up in the absolute biggest moments and you've got a legend.