Los Angeles Lakers: 4 names to replace Magic Johnson as ambassador

3. James Worthy

Just like Rick Fox, James Worthy was a college star at North Carolina who found success in the pros as a small forward for the Lakers.

Just like Fox, Worthy won three championships in L.A.

Just like Fox, Worthy went on to build a career speaking in front of the camera after his playing days were over.

That’s where the comparisons end.

Whereas Fox was undeniably a role player during the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant era, “Big Game James” was a bona fide star.

Worthy won three titles alongside Magic in the 1980s. He was voted Finals MVP in 1988, made seven All-Star Game appearances, and was a two-time All-NBA pick. He is currently in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Post-retirement, Worthy stayed in the public eye and further ingrained himself in the Lakers family as a TV commentator for the team.

Worthy was understandably overshadowed by Magic on the court, but he was a memorable and popular figure among mainstream fans — enough to land a few acting roles of his own over the years.

If the franchise needed someone to put out there as a representative face reminiscent of the glory years, Worthy would be a worthy pick.