Why & To What Is Lakers’ Star Lebron James Switching His Jersey Number?

LeBron James is once again switching his jersey number.

After wearing No. 6 the last two seasons, the Lakers star will choose No. 23, which he wore for his first three seasons in Los Angeles.

Why & To What Is Lakers’ Star Lebron James Switching His Jersey Number?

According to Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, “It’s LeBron’s decision,” Dave McMenamin of ESPN was informed.

Last August, the NBA announced that it will retire the number 6 across the entire league in memory of Bill Russell, the legendary civil rights leader and Boston Celtics player who won 11 NBA championships. James and other players who were already donning No. 6 might keep doing so. But James, who is also among the best NBA players ever, is now switching back to No. 23 “out of respect for Bill Russell,” according to Paul.

James spoke on Russell’s influence on and off the court, as well as what it meant to share a number with him, when he died away last summer at the age of 88.

“For us to lose such icon it was it was heartbreaking for all of us,” James said. “I mean, no matter if you play the game, watch the game or a part of the game. We all know what Bill Russell meant to the NBA, obviously to the Celtics off the floor as well, as far as his heroism … and what he meant to Black people, being able to speak about issues that are not comfortable… For me to be able to wear No. 6 this season — I’m not sure if I’ll continue to do it, but right now I’m going to wear it in honor of him. It means a lot to me.”

Russell won 11 championships with the Celtics, was named MVP five times, was selected to 12 All-Star games, and went on to become the first Black head coach in league history. He won his final two trophies while serving as a player-coach with Boston. Russell, who is regarded as the sport’s supreme victor, received recognition in 2009 when the NBA Finals MVP trophy was named in his honor.

Russell personally presented the trophy to James following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ epic Game 7 victory over the Golden State Warriors in 2016. James has received the honor four times.

This is James’ fourth jersey number change in his long career.

LeBron James jersey number history

Number Years Team(s)
23 2003-10 Cavaliers
6 2010-14 Heat
23 2014-21 Cavaliers, Lakers
6 2021-23 Lakers
23 2023-present Lakers

 

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