Sports

LeBron James switches down from No. 6 to No. 23 ‘out of respect’ for late Hall of Famer Bill Russell

NBA

Not only is LeBron James returning for a 21st season, he’s returning in his original jersey number. James will return to number 23 next season, a move the Los Angeles Lakers revealed on Saturday by tweeting a photo of his back with James’ name and number on the gold jersey.

Number was eliminated from the league last year after the death of the Celtics legend

LeBron James of the Lakers, seen above in 2021, is switching back to jersey number 23 after wearing jersey number 6. James reportedly decided to make the switch out of respect for late Hall of Famer Bill Russell. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Not only is LeBron James returning for a 21st season, he’s returning in his original jersey number.

James will return to number 23 next season, a move the Los Angeles Lakers revealed on Saturday by tweeting a photo of his back with James’ name and number on the gold jersey.

James switched between No. 23 and No. 6 after wearing No. 23 when he entered the NBA in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was ranked No. 6 when he became the NBA’s scoring leader last season, a number now retired by the league following the passing of Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell.

Rich Paul, James’ agent, told ESPN that James decided to make the switch out of respect for Russell.

James said during the broadcast of the ESPY Awards on Wednesday that he would continue to play next season.

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