Hall of Famer James Worthy believes the famed “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s could hold their own against modern NBA teams, although he stopped short of predicting domination.
Speaking on the Road Trippin podcast, the three-time champion was asked whether the roster headlined by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would be successful in today’s pace-and-space era.
“If I got to pick a point guard to start my team, I’m going Magic every time,” Worthy said. “He’s got pace. He’s got size. I’m not going to say we would dominate… Kareem would have to guard some shooters, so it would be some disadvantages.”
The Showtime Lakers reached the NBA Finals nine times in a 12-year span from 1980 through 1991 and captured five championships. Worthy acknowledged that current players are generally superior athletes, and he pointed to the expanded use of the three-point line as a major adjustment for Abdul-Jabbar on defense.
Still, the former Finals MVP argued that Johnson’s vision and size at point guard, plus perimeter athletes such as Byron Scott, Michael Cooper and himself, would allow the ’80s Lakers to compete. He also noted that today’s big men might struggle to defend Abdul-Jabbar’s signature skyhook in the post.
During the same appearance, Worthy briefly addressed the present-day Lakers, saying the franchise must surround superstar Luka Doncic with complementary talent this offseason.
Source: Lakers Nation
