LeBron Gives Up Jersey Number for Jordan
Starting next season, LeBron James will be wearing a new number, in deference to Michael Jordan, who formerly wore James’ number 23 during his years in Chicago.
“If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan,” James said, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “You see game-winning shots, you think about Michael Jordan; you see guys fly through the air, you think about Michael Jordan; you see fly kicks, you think about Michael Jordan. He did so much, it has to be recognized, and not just by putting him in the Hall of Fame.”
“He can’t get the logo [Hall of Famer Jerry West's silhouette is featured on the NBA's logo], and if he can’t, something has to be done,” James said. “I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”
Next year, James plans on switching to the No. 6 jersey next season – his Olympic number. He has to file a formal petition to change his jersey number with the NBA by March 5 if he stays with the Cavaliers in 2010; if he departs in free agency, he is free to choose any number he wishes on his new team.
“My second-favorite player was Julius Erving, and he wore No. 6,” James said, according to the newspaper. “I wore 32 in high school because Dr. J wore it at first. My first child was born on Oct. 6, it’s my Olympic number, my second child was born in June.”
Whether James’ petition to get all No. 23 jerseys vanquished from the current NBA is yet to be determined. Twelve other players in the NBA wear Jordan’s No. 23, including Philadelphia PG Lou Williams, L.A. Clippers center Marcus Camby, and Phoenix G/F Jason Richardson.
