Worthy, James (1961-…), ranks among the greatest forwards in basketball history. Worthy stands 6 feet 9 inches (206 centimeters) tall. Despite his size, he was known for his athletic moves to the basket and his skills as an outside shooter. Worthy led the University of North Carolina to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in 1982 and then became a member of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Worthy starred on Laker teams that won three NBA championships.
James Ager Worthy was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on Feb. 27, 1961. He attended the University of North Carolina for three years and then left after his junior year in 1982 to turn professional. The Lakers made Worthy the first selection in the 1982 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA all-rookie team for the 1982-1983 season. Worthy played his entire career with the Lakers, retiring in 1994. He averaged 17.6 points a game for his regular season career and 21.1 points a game in 143 play-off games.
