LeBron James, a standout forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, is changing his jersey number once more. James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that for the next 2023–24 season, James will switch back to wearing No. 23, after donning No. 6 for the previous two. James is making the adjustment out of respect for Bill Russell, a legendary NBA player. After Russell passed away in July of last year, the number was retired across the league, though players who were already wearing it were allowed to do so.
LeBron’s choice, according to James’ agent Rich Paul, was made. Out of respect for Bill Russell, he decided to.
James spoke on Russell’s influence on and off the court, as well as what it meant to share a number with him, when he died away last summer at the age of 88.
“For us to lose such an icon, it was it was heartbreaking for all of us,” James remarked. “I mean, whether you play, watch, or only participate in a portion of the game. We are all aware of the heroic contributions Bill Russell made to the NBA and the Celtics off the court, as well as what he meant to Black people by enabling them to discuss uncomfortable subjects. I’m not sure if I’ll wear No. 6 in his honor going forward, but for the time being, I’m grateful that I can wear it. It is really important to me.
Even though James’ jersey will look slightly different from what it did the previous season, it should be very recognizable. James wore No. 23 during both of his tenures with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his four seasons with the Heat in Miami, he wore No. 6.