If we speak of Lakers legends, only a few names command as much respect as James Worthy. The Finals MVP, Hall-of-Famer, and one of the smoothest forwards to ever grace the game, celebrated another trip around the sun. The basketball community wasted no time at all in giving ‘Big Game James’ his well-deserved praise.
Worthy’s legacy and influence extend far beyond being a key part of those dominant 80s Lakers squads. He was the overall No. 1 pick in the in 1982 draft. And quickly became the weapon of choice alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Additionally, utilizing his elite footwork, iconic mid-range jumper and the ability to seize control in the biggest moments, he earned his nickname ‘Big Game James’ when it mattered the most—the playoffs.
He racked up three NBA championships, seven All-Star appearances. Plus, a spot in the NBA 50th and 75th anniversary teams and Worthy was also inducted into the Hall-of-Fame in 2003, a befitting honor, well, the list goes on.
Now, on his special day, the league’s social media pages lit up with highlights and throwbacks of the legend. Especially those that show him spinning defenders and finishing with the signature one-handed slam and stepping up in key moments. The NBA history page, posted a picture honoring the legend. Captioning it, “ Join us in wishing a Happy 64th Birthday to 7x #NBAAllStar, 3xNBA Champion, 1987-88 Finals MVP and 75th Anniversary Team Member, James Worthy! #NBABDAY,” urging fans to wish the legend.
Seeing the post, fans were also gracious in wishing the legend a happy birthday. Wishes poured in from all parts of the world and from all generations, young and old. Let us see what the admirers had to say.
How Did The Fans Wish James Worthy?
The fans wasted no time getting to social media to celebrate Worthy’s legacy and wishing him a happy birthday. One user commented on Instagram, “Big Game James was THAT guy! Clutch when it mattered most. Happy birthday to a true Lakers legend!” Such fans know that James Worthy was the ultimate playoff performer. His iconic performance in the 1988 finals earned him the respect of an entire generation.
Another Instagram user wrote, “Worthy’s footwork was insane, and his game 7 is ‘88 was legendary, If you know, you know. Happy B-Day, legend,” admiring Worthy’s footwork, which was a work of art. A member of the Lakers community on Instagram also posted, “Forever Showtime! Worthy deserves ALL the love today. Three rings, Finals MVP, and an all-time great Laker,” showing that real fans understand the contributions he made to that showtime legendary Lakers team.
Some fans also poured in their love by asking why James isn’t being talked about in the same degree as other legends. An Instagram user asked, “WHY ISN’T JAMES BEING TALKED ABOUT MORE?! ,” reiterating the sentiment put forward by other fans. Another user commented, “James Worthy > LeBron” citing his opinion that Worthy is indeed worthy of that comparison to LeBron.
So, as the NBA and the basketball world celebrates another year of James Worthy, it serves as a reminder that real legends never fade. A very happy birthday to Big Game James, the Lakers fans will always be grateful for the magic you shared on the hardwood.
The post Tributes Pour in for James Worthy As NBA World Unites to Celebrate ‘Big Game James’ 64th Birthday appeared first on EssentiallySports.
