LeBron James has got news for us — it’s time to ditch the 23.
In a welcome distraction from the LeBron Summer 2010 news, we now have LeBron Fashion in 2010 news. Whilst having worn the number so far during his career, King James has decided that it is time to honour Michael Jordan by removing the number 23 from his jersey and he wants everyone else in the league to follow suit.
James will switch to number 6, which he wore with Team USA and which also holds other forms of significance to him.
More from Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon,” James said. “There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn’t Michael Jordan first.
“He can’t get the logo, and if he can’t, something has to be done. 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.”
Cleveland’s #23 had just put up a spectacular 34 point performance against Wade’s Heat in a tight battle that was watched my His Airness himself, who sat in the stands with Pat Riley. No doubt, MJ’s presence acted as inspiration for the decision.
“If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan,” James said. “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.”
No. 6 is James’ Olympic number, and he has worn it in Cavs practices over the past two years. But it has other special qualities to him.
“My second-favorite player was Julius Erving, and he wore No. 6,” James said. “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.”
Of course, that number 6, might have the words “New York” written above it next season as well..
