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James Worthy: How great Big Game James was for the Lakers

By ANTHONY BISCIELLO

James Worthy #42, Small Forward and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the New York Knicks on 11th November 1990 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Knicks won the game 109 - 103. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Allsport/Getty Images)
James Worthy #42, Small Forward and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the New York Knicks on 11th November 1990 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Knicks won the game 109 - 103. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Allsport/Getty Images) /
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Standing at six feet nine inches, one would have thought that James Worthy would definitely be a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. That’s the height at which they usually stand. Not James Worthy. With his 225-pound lean build and his somewhat long arms, James was something different when he came to the Lakers in 1982-83.

Worthy was dangerous for many reasons. He didn’t move like a prototypical forward. James could run the floor and slash. He had great stamina as he was a perfect fit for the Showtime era Los Angeles Lakers.

A smart and cerebral player that could feel the flow of the offense, as well as being a solid defender. He had a good mid-range shot and was deadly around the basket with his silky moves. No one finished a fast break like Worthy did. He had that world-famous finger roll. There was also that nice post-up game that he possessed.

James Worthy formed one of the most dangerous duos for the Lakers with Magic Johnson.

MUST-READ: Looking back at Magic Johnson and James Worthy

Most importantly, was how clutch Worthy was. He didn’t get the name Big Game James for any old reason. In the clutch he always delivered. Just look at the 1988 Playoffs when the Lakers were after their second consecutive championship.

Worthy led the Lakers in scoring as well as the NBA. He exploded in the finals against the Detroit Pistons where he averaged 22 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. In Game 6, he scored 28 points and had 9 rebounds as the Lakers beat the Pistons 103-102 to tie the series.

In Game 7, Worthy had a triple-double with 36 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists and was named Finals MVP as the Lakers won their second consecutive title.

James Worthy had the low post moves of a power forward/center and the full court ability of a quicker player. That’s what made him different. Of course, in today’s game, we have small forwards that are more like shooting guards who do not have that low-post game.

Most importantly was his ability to fit into the flow of the team. Today of course it can be rather rare as so many want the glory all for themselves. James was unselfish and played an integral part in the great Lakers puzzle.

Those wonderful goggles that he helped make more famous and that number 42. It has always been my favorite number.

Next. The 10 best Lakers teams of all-time. dark

On any other team, Worthy could have been the leading scorer and more. He could have been the star of the team but he was one of few players to come along and be a part of a dynasty. It’s those things that make great players. Not always the stats. For there are many that have scored and rebounded in large numbers, but have never won anything!

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