James Ager Worthy (born February 27, 1961) is an American retired Hall of Fame professional basketball player. A former basketball commentator, television host, and analyst, he now works as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, "Big Game James" was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA champion and the 1988 NBA Finals MVP. A standout at the University of North Carolina, the 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) small forward shared College Player of the Year honors en route to leading the Tar Heels to the 1982 NCAA Championship. Named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, he was #1 pick of the 1982 NBA draft of the reigning NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Worthy was born in Gastonia, North Carolina. His 21.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game during his senior season at Ashbrook High led the team to the state championship game. Named both a Parade Magazine and McDonald's All-American, he was selected to play in the 1979 McDonald's All-American Game that featured future NBA Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas and Dominique Wilkins, as well as notable NBA star Ralph Sampson.