Highlighting James Worthy's memorable moments at North Carolina

With the NBA lockout persisting, there have been at least a few things to satisfy our hoops fix.

NBA TV has replayed classic playoff games. ESPN this week broadcast 24 consecutive hours of college basketball games. And this Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., former Lakers forward James Worthy will be among those being inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Below is a look at some of his memorable moments during his storied three-year career at North Carolina (1979-1982).

1. Worthy experiences early adversity. Enthusiasm regarding his freshman year evaporated when he slipped on a wet spot on the Carmichael Auditorium floor and broke his ankle. The injury forced him to miss the last 14 games of the season and cast serious doubt about the rest of his career.

2. Worthy bounces back from injury. Instead of allowing the injury to hurt his development, Worthy emerged as a sophomore, averaging 14.2 points (on 50% shooting) and 8.2 rebounds per game en route to the 1981 national championship game against Indiana.

3. Worthy won Final Four MVP. Despite being on a team that featured Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins, Worthy managed to win this award after UNC won the 1982 national title game against Georgetown. Highlights of the 1982 national championship game between North Carolina and Georgetown often feature Worthy making a signature steal from Hoyas point guard Fred Brown and a tip dunk over Georgetown center Patrick Ewing, which capped a 28-point performance on 13-of-17 shooting that earned him the NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player Award.

James Worthy prefers Andrew Bynum over Carmelo Anthony

James Worthy to be inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

-- Mark Medina

Email the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com