James Worthy on why he always wanted to have a cemetery business: 'That's something I could really enjoy'

Many NBA players transition to the media space and become TV broadcasters or sports analysts after retirement. Others return to their former teams and work in the front office or the coaching staff. A handful even end up coaching NBA teams, while some take the role of head tactician in college, high school, or at any level.

When Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy was 24 years old, he planned to be a businessman when he retired from basketball. But while many ex-players invested in traditional industries like food, real estate, or services, Worthy was interested in something ghastly.

"I'd like to be an entrepreneur of some kind," Worthy said. "If I could find me a partner who has a funeral home. I'd like to get into the cemetery business. That's something I could really enjoy."

A business that doesn't run out of customers

Worthy didn't explain why he would enjoy such a not-so-ordinary endeavor. But James was born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, so he had a lot of Southern hospitality in him. That warmth, kindness, and welcoming personality are needed in comforting bereaved families.

But aside from offering essential services, owning a cemetery and funeral service business is also a profitable and sustainable venture because you never run out of clients. At that time, Worthy said funeral parlors were short in supply in Gastonia.

"Back in my hometown, that was something that was needed," added "Big Game James." "It could be a good business, especially in the right location. And you know it's going to be steady because people are always going to be kicking the bucket."

Big Game performer

After retiring from the NBA, Worthy ventured into various entrepreneurial undertakings, but it's unclear if owning a funeral parlor and/or cemetery is one of them. What's sure, however, is that during his NBA career, James buried the Lakers' opponents alive with his big-time performances, especially in the playoffs.

"James Worthy was one of the top 10 — top five — players in playoff history," Magic said at Worthy's retirement news conference.

James averaged just 17.6 points per game during his 12-year NBA career. But in the playoffs, he put up 21.1 points per game on 54.4 percent field goal shooting. His penchant for the big games earned him the monicker "Big Game James."