Sceptics questioned if the Lakers can overcome doubts about whether LeBron James’ age will hold them back this season. It’s also LeBron’s largest comeback in his career. Well, maybe not the largest, but when one of the league’s top stars switches jersey numbers, it’s usually a huge deal. James is switching from No. 23 to No. 6 ahead of his fourth season with the Lakers. The four-time NBA MVP began his professional career with the Cavaliers, then went to the Heat from 2010 to 2014, where he wore No. 6. After winning two championships in Miami, James returned to Cleveland and wore No. 23 for his second tenure, which he kept in Los Angeles.
The story behind LeBron James’ change to No. 6
When the Lakers acquired Anthony Davis from the Pelicans in a blockbuster trade in 2019, James wanted to alter his jersey number. Once the transaction was done, James even released a photo of Davis wearing a No. 23 jersey. For his first seven NBA seasons, Davis wore the same number. Unfortunately for James and Davis, the transfer had to be postponed because Nike, the league’s official supplier, would have incurred a “huge financial blow” due to the amount of equipment already manufactured. Davis chose No. 3 because Nike didn’t give the Lakers’ stars the go light. (After winning his first NBA title in 2020, he decided to continue with that number.)
However, James’ conversion was never about performing a favour for his teammate.
When asked how he came to the decision to go to No. 6, James told reporters last week that the number “has always been a part of me.” Bronny, his first kid, was born on October 6, and Bryce, his second, was born in June, the sixth month of the year. Aside from their personal connection, James has already professed his appreciation for Julius Erving, who played for the 76ers and wore the No. 6 jersey.
“Six has a lot of importance for me, not just in terms of my family and numbers, but also in terms of what I believe in and things of that type,” James explained. “Going out and being a good basketball player in general, trying to dominate in all aspects of the game, being a good teammate, and being a good leader.” The date also coincided with the summer release of “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” which depicted James in a No. 6 Tune Squad shirt, as The Athletic’s Tim Cato pointed out.
LeBron James’ history with No. 6 and No. 23
James wore the No. 23 jersey at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School continued to do so after being drafted first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers. James has frequently credited Michael Jordan, the NBA’s most renowned No. 23, as a source of inspiration.
“‘Oh wow, that two-three looks nice,’ I thought when I first started playing basketball. I want to be able to fly as well as he does. I want to be able to shoot as well as he does. I want to be able to dunk on someone as good as him. I want to be able to shout in someone’s face like MJ and stick out my tongue in the air like him.’ “In 2019, James stated.
“So I’ve been wearing No. 23 since I first started playing baseball.”
“For the great Michael Jordan that is here in Charlotte,” LeBron remarked when asked why he wears No. 23. During his eighth season in Cleveland, James decided that all NBA players who wore the number 23 should retire it in honour of Jordan. In 2009, James remarked, “I simply think what Michael Jordan has done for the game deserves to be honoured in some form soon.” “Without Michael Jordan, there would be no LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or Dwyane Wade.” He is unable to obtain the logo, and if he is unable to do so, action must be taken. No NBA player, in my opinion, should wear the number 23.
“I’m going to launch a petition, and I need everyone in the NBA to sign it. Nobody else should be able to wear No. 23 if I’m not going to wear it.” After signing with the Heat, James changed his number to No. 6, and he continued to wear it on his practice suit even after switching to No. 23 with the Cavs and Lakers. This was a reference to Deion Sanders, another of James’ boyhood favourites, who wore No. 21 during games but No. 2 during practices. James has worn No. 6 in many Olympic Games outside of NBA action.
