Why is the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James changing from No. 6 back to No. 23?
A show of respect has prompted the Lakers icon to relinquish his jersey number following the untimely passing of one of the greatest basketballers ever.
With the entire league acknowledging the death of Bill Russell, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader saw fit to do the same. Though seemingly cosmetic in nature, it speaks to the level of reverence that is maintained for the NBA’s all-time championship winner.
LeBron James to change from No. 6 to No. 23
According to comments from his agent, Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James is set to change his jersey number once again. James has been wearing No. 6 across the last two seasons, but will now revert to No. 23 heading into the 2023-24 season. Speaking with the media, James’ agent Rich Paul explained that his client made the decision out of respect for NBA legend Bill Russell. Indeed, Russell’s No. 6 was retired league-wide last year following his death in July, however, players wearing the No. 6 at the time were allowed to continue doing so. “It’s LeBron’s decision,” James’ agent Rich Paul said. “He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell.”
A legend lost
You may recall that Russell passed away last summer at the age of 88. At the time James spoke not only about Russell’s impact both on and off the court but about what it meant on a personal level to share the same number with such an individual.
“For us to lose such an icon it was it was heartbreaking for all of us,” James said at the time. “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.” Of course, as much as this is a change for James, it shouldn’t feel too unfamiliar, given that he wore No. 23 during the first three seasons of his time with the Lakers, and also during both of his periods with the Cavs.