LeBron James recently announced his decision to revert back to the No.23 jersey. The King wore the No.6 for the entirety of last season but has decided to switch in light of Bill Russell‘s passing. The NBA has chosen to retire the N0.6 jersey throughout the league in honor of Russell, who wore the number throughout his career. But, Bron’s announcement has received mixed reviews. In particular, a video of his from 2009 has now resurfaced on Twitter. One where in he lied about giving up the No.23 in honor of Michael Jordan.
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The NBA does a lot to honor its former players, especially those with legendary status. As part of the league’s culture, all organizations participate in a tradition of retiring jerseys. It is an honor given only to a select few, often those who have achieved great things for the team. It just so happens that both the numbers King James has worn in his career belonged to two of the all-time greats.
Video of LeBron James lying about giving up the No.23 jersey in honor of Michael Jordan resurfaces
In 2003, LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Upon entering the league, The King decided to dawn the No.23 jersey, the same jersey number worn by his idol, Michael Jordan. However, six years later, he made a surprising claim.
During the 2009 NBA season, King James announced that he was planning on giving up the legendary No.23 jersey. Why? Well, as he explained at the time, he believed it was the right way to honor MJ. He elaborated, claiming that His Airness had done so much for the league that it was only right for the NBA to retire his jersey.
A sound argument from the four-time NBA Champion. The following season, he joined the Miami Heat and switched to No.6. A great gesture, but, as a Twitter user points out, it just so happens that Bron had no choice. After all, the Heat had already retired the No.23 long before LeBron entered the league. A coincidence maybe, but one cannot help but wonder if he already knew he’d be in South Beach when he first suggested paying homage to Jordan.
“I’ve been thinking about it lately, and what I’m going to do. I think I’m going to change my number next year. I think no guy in the NBA should ever wear 23. I think he can’t get the NBA logo… much respect to Jerry West… so I think his number shouldn’t be worn by any player in the NBA. So I’m thinking about just changing my number next year.”
Unfortunately, LeBron went back on this statement when he returned to Cleveland in 2013. And now, he’s poised to do it again, as he switches back to the No.23 jersey with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron’s decision to switch jerseys confirms his intentions to return for his 21st season
LeBron James will be returning for his 21st season in the NBA. And, if his announcement at the ESPYs didn’t confirm it, his decision to switch back to the No.23 jersey certainly does. But, while he is honoring Bill Russell with this move, many are now doubting his word. Especially given what happened 14 years ago.
One thing is for certain, whether it’s No.6 or No.23, King James will always be King James, and fans can expect to see him dominate in the 2023-2024 season as well.
