Ex-Laker Worthy Gives Irvine Students Plays for Success

Responsible thinking and teamwork can successfully lead one through life’s struggles, a former Los Angeles Lakers star told Irvine high school students Wednesday.

“Life is a struggle,” James Worthy said, adding that students must learn from their mistakes. “It always will be there; it’s how you interpret it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“You really have to be prepared for life, not for the moment. Life lasts a long time,” the former NBA small forward said, urging the more than 100 students to treat decisions responsibly.

Worthy, 37, did not discuss his 1990 arrest on two counts of soliciting prostitutes, although he openly talked about his problems with school truancy and drug abuse in years past.

“I’ve done things I’m not proud of,” Worthy said. “The toughest choice is to say ‘no’ to those around you right now.”

Principal Paul Mills said S.E.L.F. Alternative High School invited Worthy to the campus because officials wanted a speaker who could talk frankly to students about learning from one’s personal experiences.

In addition, Worthy also praised teamwork.

“Teamwork is essential. It just takes listening,” he said.

Worthy recalled one example for the crowd. As a University of North Carolina junior, Worthy was playing with his teammates for the NCAA basketball championship, he said. With just seconds left on the shot clock, the coach suggested the team allow a freshman to attempt the winning hoop. Worthy, having more confidence in himself than an unproven rookie by the name of Michael Jordan, disagreed at first, but then went along with the coach’s game plan. Worthy led the defense away from Jordan, who made the shot.

Worthy’s talk was part of a school program designed to promote positive habits, including healthful eating and making physical activity fun, said Pat McKenzie, a coordinator at the Irvine Unified School District. Some of Wednesday’s activities included a game of musical chairs, a tricycle relay, limbo and tug-of-war.