Worthy Dismisses Retirement Talk Despite Sharply Reduced Role

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. —  Despite riding the bench much of the season, Laker forward James Worthy says he’s not contemplating retirement.

“I guess I may have thought about (retiring) three minutes all year,” he said.

Worthy, a seven-time All-Star, started only two of 80 games. The 12-year veteran averaged 20 minutes and 10.2 points per game--both lows for his career--as the Lakers went to a youth movement.

Worthy said he wasn’t surprised the Lakers hired former Milwaukee Bucks coach Del Harris to replace Magic Johnson, who took over near the end of the season for Randy Pfund.

“Nothing surprises me in this business,” Worthy said. “They could have brought Santa Claus in and it wouldn’t have been a surprise to me.

“I don’t know (Harris) personally. I know he’s very good at relating to players on a whole and individual basis. That’s what we need. Young players need some guidance. They need somebody who is going to be firm with them. Quite honestly, someone who doesn’t care if they like him or not.”