1986-87 Fleer #131 James Worthy
Hall of Fame rookie. Big Game James - three-time champion and 1988 Finals MVP.
About James Worthy
The Los Angeles Lakers made James Worthy the No. 1 overall pick of the 1982 NBA Draft out of North Carolina, where he had just won the 1982 NCAA championship and Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, sealing a 63-62 title win over Georgetown. A 6'9" small forward, Worthy spent all 12 of his NBA seasons (1982-1994) with the Lakers, a fast-breaking cornerstone of the "Showtime" era. He was a seven-time All-Star (1986-1992), a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection (1990, 1991), and won three championships (1985, 1987, 1988). He earned the 1988 Finals MVP after a Game 7 triple-double (36 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists) against Detroit. His nickname, "Big Game James," grew from that NCAA title-game heroics and his knack for raising his scoring in the playoffs. The Lakers retired his No. 42; he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2003 and named to the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. This card is Worthy's Fleer rookie card.
Sources: Wikipedia · Basketball-Reference
About this card
The 1986-87 Fleer James Worthy is card #131 in Fleer's landmark 'Premier' issue - the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps and, for many collectors, the start of the modern era of basketball cards. Because of the multi-year gap, it is the recognized Rookie Card for James Worthy. He is pictured with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1-6 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 5,527 | 135 | 992 | 2,078 | 1,309 | 1,012 | 1 |
| SGC | 578 | 3 | 70 | 191 | 158 | 147 | 9 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half grades fold down for both graders (8.5→8); PSA qualified slabs (OC, ST, PD, MC and the like) are not counted.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1986-87 Fleer James Worthy card?
It is card #131 of 132 in the 1986-87 Fleer Basketball set - Fleer's 'Premier' issue and the first nationally-distributed NBA set since 1981-82 Topps. It pictures the Los Angeles Lakers James Worthy, and is his recognized rookie card.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer James Worthy his rookie card?
Yes - the hobby treats 1986-87 Fleer as the Rookie Card for any player whose first nationally-distributed (pack-issued) card it is. James Worthy had no Topps card before the set, so this is his recognized RC. (Limited-distribution Star Company cards from 1983-86 are classed as Extended Rookie Cards.)
How do I spot a fake James Worthy 1986-87 Fleer card?
1986-87 Fleer is the most counterfeited basketball set. Genuine cards are crisp and dark with an intact micro-dot print pattern; fakes look fuzzy or flat. Check the Fleer 'Premier' logo (the arrow is a darker gold than the yellow box) and, on the back, the NBA Players Association basketball, whose seam lines are visible on a real card and filled solid on a fake. For high-value copies, buy professionally graded (PSA/BGS/SGC) and verify the cert.
Is the 1986-87 Fleer James Worthy valuable?
Value depends heavily on grade and centering. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: the Trading Card Database, Basketball-Reference, and PSA & SGC population reports. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-10-05.