Many former NBAers go on to a career in broadcasting, but not many bring a resume that includes selection to the Basketball HOF, three NBA championship rings and inclusion on the NBA's list of its 50 greatest players. That is the CV that JAMES WORTHY brings to the studio as an analyst for Time Warner Cable SportsNet and its Lakers coverage. But he uses it to appeal to all fans across the age and knowledge spectrum. “That was one of the first things that I learned as an analyst,” he said. “You are not talking to a bunch of coaches or players. I find it easy to convey a message so that those who are knowledgeable understand and also keep it simple for the 80-year-old grandma.” Here, “Big Game James” talks with THE DAILY about his plans for this upcoming weekend.
IT’S SHOWTIME: My weekends during the season are based around when I am broadcasting. We have games on Friday against the Raptors and Sunday against the Trail Blazers. I will be at the studio about 4:00pm PT for a 7:30pm game and will be ready to go by 6:45-7:00pm. I am an early riser on Saturdays. I like to get up and watch politics on TV. I watch them all to compare and contrast. After that, it is usually football and golf. I shot an 82 a few weeks ago, which is pretty good for me. I still follow my Tar Heels as we are doing well right now in football. I grew up a Colts fan as a kid. I had an aunt who lived in Baltimore and was into Baltimore sports. I fell in love with JOHNNY UNITAS -- it was the high-top black cleats. Then I’m good for falling asleep on the couch while watching football and basketball games.
LAZY DAYS: I try not to do any work on Sundays if we do not have a game. I like to wake up and get a coffee and just lay around the house in my pajamas. I love Sunday breakfast. It is kind of my cheat day. Growing up, after church, we always used to eat and take a nap. I am open to all kinds of breakfast. I like to go to Shutters on the Beach in Marina del Rey. They have great lemon ricotta pancakes and corned beef hash. Then in the evenings, I enjoy going out with friends for some wine tasting. I live alone and cook a little bit to try and eat healthy. I eat out a lot, but I also boil eggs and grill fish and veggies. I can do all of the basics.
FAMILY GUY: My kids are in their mid-20s and I try not to bother them too much. But I know if I don’t hear from them, then we have a problem. It definitely unwinds me a little bit to hear about their lives.
HOME IMPROVEMENT: As I have gotten older, I try to do more things around the house. I do not play hoops anymore because I do not get paid for it. Why kill myself and risk injury? I do not run anymore because my body is done. I swim and bike, that is about it. The body is old.
PAY IT FORWARD: I do some speaking engagements in the offseason and will travel for that. But I primarily stay in the L.A. area. I am helping the Lakers out on the court for the first time this season since I retired. I have always been around with the organization, but it is the first time I have worked with some of the big men on the science of the game and player development. I am bringing some of my experience from the game to some of the players. I try to remember what it was like and to give back.
