LeBron James To Switch Back To No.23 For the 23-24 Season

As per @mcten, Los Angeles superstar LeBron James is expected to switch back to No. 23 out of respect for Celtics legend Bill Russell. His agent Rich Paul confirmed the news to ESPN on Saturday night.

After the passing of Bill Russell last summer, the NBA retired his number 6 across the league. It was the first time the NBA honored a player to this extent. LeBron James initially chose to stay with the no.6 for the 22-23 season.

“For us to lose such icon, it was heartbreaking for all of us,” James told ESPN at the start of training camp in September. He continued, “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.”

LeBron James wore number 23 in Cleveland, number 6 in Miami, and switched from number 23 at the Lakers to number 6 2 years ago.