1988 NBA Finals Game 7: The Lakers were coming off an NBA Championship as they made their way to the 1988 playoffs. Once they were in the finals, they had to face the Detroit Pistons led by Isiah Thomas. It was a battle, where despite the Lakers having names like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, it was James Worthy who stole all the limelight. He recorded his first career triple-double, scoring 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.

This performance earned the Lakers a 108-105 win, and they also became the very first NBA team in 20 years to win back-to-back NBA titles. While Johnson recorded 19 points and 14 assists, Byron Scott contributed to the win with 21 points. This title was the final one of the Showtime era but made sure to write Johnson, Worthy, and Jabbar’s names in the NBA history book.

No wonder years later, NBA fans still remember Worthy’s performance; Especially on his birthday, Feb. 27. The NBA history page on Instagram, posted a picture honoring the legend and captioned 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.” 

The former basketball racked up three NBA championships (1985, 1987, and 1988), and 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.

He had retired before the 1994-95 season and his fellow friend Magin Johnson was there to support him. “James Worthy was one of the top 10 — top five — players in playoff history,” Johnson stated at James Worthy’s retirement news conference. And, of course, no one argued with this assessment. After all, he had won the Most Outstanding Player Award from the 1982 NCAA Final Four and a Most Valuable Player Award from the 1988 NBA Finals by the time he retired.

So, now on the occasion of his 64th birthday, 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.

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. Here’s what they had to say!

Top Comment by Thekingknows

No he isn’t. Jamal Wilkes is the most underrated. He would give you 20 points a game every night...more

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James Worthy: NBA fans remember his dominant game on his birthday!

By 1994, Big Game James Worthy’s career was cooling down. Though he was no longer a starter, he remained an important part of the team’s second unit. His best days were gone. Yet, he was motivated to show off one last time during his final NBA season.

It was April 6, 1994. The athlete played for 37 minutes against the Sacramento Kings. He recorded 31 points, eight assists, and six rebounds as he led his side to a 128-123 overtime win. Why was this such a big deal? It’s because Worthy turned back the clock and showed glimpses of who he used to be. His 37 minutes were his season-high, and it was also the only game where he surpassed the 30-point mark that season. No wonder fans took to social media and wrote:

• “Big Game James was THAT guy! Clutch when it mattered most. Happy birthday to a true Lakers legend!”
• “Worthy’s footwork was insane, and his game 7 is ‘88 was legendary, If you know, you know. Happy B-Day, legend”

It might not be wrong to say that out of all the basketball stars the Lakers have produced, Worthy might be the one fans easily forget about. Perhaps he could have had better numbers if he were on another team. However, he happily accepted what the Lakers needed in order to win championships.

• “Forever Showtime! Worthy deserves ALL the love today. Three rings, Finals MVP, and an all-time great Laker.”
• “Made a change in the nba🙌.”

Considering it’s the Lakers, fans came up with some comparisons too. One wrote:

• “James Worthy > LeBron”

Worthy was seen as the clutch catalyst and his triple-doubles often led the Lakers to many victories. Plus, his Finals MVP history is a testament to his legacy. Lebron James, on the other hand, showcased versatility and the ability to dominate across different decades. Both the stars have left a huge impact on the NBA’s history.

As the NBA and the basketball world celebrate another year of James Worthy, it serves as a reminder that real legends never fade. A very happy birthday to Big Game James.