James Worthy, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina, was one of basketball's greatest fast-break finishers at the college and professional levels. A 6-foot-9, 225 pound power forward who could dominate with his speed and agility, Worthy starred collegiately at the University of North Carolina. He led the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA championship in New Orleans and was named MVP of the Final Four. Named Helms Foundation National Player of the Year, Worthy was selected an All-America 11 times throughout his college career by various organizations. Named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996, Worthy played his entire 12-year professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He helped lead the Lakers to the 1985, 1987 and 1988 NBA championships and a total of seven NBA Finals appearances. He was named MVP of the 1988 Finals after averaging 22 PPG, 7.4 rpg and 4.4 apg. He was chosen for seven NBA All-Star Games (1986-92) and is one of only seven Lakers to have his number (#42) retired.
