by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni
It’s not enough for LeBron James to change his jersey number. He doesn’t want anyone else in the League to wear the 2-3. Ever again.
LeBron, who’s worn MJ’s old number since he came into the League, says he’s going to drop it in favor of another former high-flyer’s jersey digit. And he wants everyone to follow suit.
From the Plain Dealer:
Out of respect to Michael Jordan, who sat courtside and watched James score 34 points, James said he is planning on switching his number after this season from No. 23 to No. 6. It just sort of came out, but it was obvious he’s been thinking about it for a while. And James wants to lead a movement to get every player who wears No. 23 in the league to give it up as a tribute to Jordan.
“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon,” James said. “There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn’t Michael Jordan first. He can’t get the logo, and if he can’t, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”
Despite this seemingly coming out of the total blue, it’s not the first time the subject of LeBron possibly switching jersey numbers has been brought up, so it’s probably safe to say that this isn’t some off-the-wall decision on his part.
It remains to be seen if he can the rest of the players in the League to agree with him, but the idea is commendable.
