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LeBron James might be best-known for wearing No. 23, but the four-time league MVP and three-time champ is giving up the iconic number to new teammate Anthony Davis, whom the L.A. Lakers acquired a couple weeks back in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. Of course, James did wear No. 6 while playing for the Miami Heat from 2010-14, so this isn’t the first time he’d make such a switch.
According to Yahoo! Sports‘ Chris Haynes, LeBron James decided to give up the No. 23 to Davis following the addition of the big man, with James already notifying the league of his decision. The report mentions that LeBron is trying to make the move to the Lakers as comfortable as possible for Anthony Davis, and that the fellow All-Star is, per sources, “extremely grateful for the gesture.”
With the idea to switch numbers, that means that James’ No. 23 Lakers jersey is more of a memento now than anything else. That might not be great for basketball fans to hear, as the jersey ranked as the best-selling NBA jersey in the league last season. Considering it’s the Lakers and LeBron James, though, there’s a good chance he’ll find himself towards the top of that list once again next season — especially as fans go out and buy ones with the new digit on it. Still, some people on Twitter weren’t thrilled with the idea of a number swap.
@KingJames I just bought a Lakers shirt with 23 on it and your name 😅 any way I can get a shirt with your new number? Lmao
— Tyler Evans (@skylerbevans) June 27, 2019
Hey @KingJames , can I get a new purple jersey of your new number then since your gonna switch up and ruin my recent gift?🙏🏼
— Curtis Nixon ⍟ (@Nixoncj22) June 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/Ali_A_Salam/status/1144334860984758272
LeBron James walking up to huddle wearing number 6 next year pic.twitter.com/YNuDD9TDt0
— Kory Waldron (@Just_KWal) June 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChadPitt/status/1144334647423393792
He’s just trying the Kobe Bryant Card. Change your number halfway through Lakers career.
— Richard | Michigan 2023 National Champion (@RichAlso) June 27, 2019
Man glad I waited to get the Lakers Jersey I want that 6 @KingJames https://t.co/wS2p6jdwCi
— Han "Indiana Jones" Solo (@Wasnt4U2Like) June 27, 2019
I feel bad for anyone who bought a no. 23 Lebron James Laker Jersey lmfao
— illy (@kingbillysuave) June 27, 2019
I wonder how many folks now will have the #Lakers 23 #LebronJames jersey and get the 23 #AnthonyDavis jersey
— Ed Roberts™ (@edlover2k) June 27, 2019
As mentioned earlier, LeBron James did wear No. 6 with the Miami Heat — which he switched to after changing teams in 2010 — so it’s assumed that he goes back to that same number. It’s his number on Team USA and the jersey he wears in practices, so it’s probably what he’ll end up returning to here with the Lakers. So, for those Lakers fans out there who need more of a reason to love James, it’s time to throw out those old No. 23 jerseys for “The King’s” updated one.