LeBron James has made some headlines this week, but not just because of the numbers he’s putting up, but because of the number he’s putting away.
In honor of Michael Jordan — who was on hand to watch James and his Cavs defeat Jordan Brand ambassador Dwayne Wade and his Miami Heat Thursday night — James plans to change his number next season.
Plain and simple, respect for “His Airness.”
James has worn number “23″ long before his NBA days, and of course, Jordan’s influence played a part in his choice of the legendary number. The star player announced that he will more than likely change his number to “6″ next season, stating that nobody else should be able to wear “23″.
It only took James nearly seven years in the NBA to realize this notion. Jokes aside, it’s a great notion and fellow “23″ Lou Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers agrees.
As for Jason Richardson of the Suns, not so much.
Should the NBA retire the number “23,” throughout the league? Comment it up yo.
November 15, 2009 at 10:44 am
Ironic he goes from one legendary number to another. Why did he decide to go with Bill Russel’s number? He does own the most championhips of any player. Kinda disrespectful in that regard.
November 16, 2009 at 2:01 am
I don’t want the number “23″ hanging in the rafters at The Palace. It may be Jordan, and he may be the greatest player of all time, but there’s something greater that makes me sick when i think about this happening. Something that is engrained in my brain, heart and soul. Maybe I was born with it, maybe it was passed down from my father and his before him. It’s that Detroit sports pride, that homer mentality. It’s my bad boy roots, which as you know MJ was public enemy number one to. All I know is that a little piece of me will die if I see that number hanging from The Palace without Mark Aguirre’s name over top.
November 16, 2009 at 10:13 am
This is all for more money… I’m sick of this guy man. Let’s see i will start off with #23 and then in a 6-7 years I’ll change my number for more jersey sales and just make it look like i’m doing it for “MJ.” You’re not foolin me LeBron!