LeBron James switching quantity to 23 this season to ‘respect’ Invoice Russell

LeBron James is making a jersey quantity change.

The 19-time All-Star will return to carrying No. 23 from No. 6 to honor the late Invoice Russell, Klutch Sports activities CEO and agent Wealthy Paul instructed ESPN on Saturday evening.

LeBron first wore No. 6 with the Miami Warmth from 2011-14 and switched again to it once more in 2022.

However final summer time, the enduring Russell — a five-time NBA MVP — died at 88 years outdated, and the NBA subsequently introduced that No. 6 would be retired across the league.

Nonetheless, gamers that have been already carrying No. 6 — together with James — could be grandfathered in and be allowed to proceed carrying it.

However going into the 2023-24 season, James will return to No. 23, the quantity he’s worn for 14 of his first 20 seasons within the league.

“It’s LeBron’s resolution,” Paul told ESPN on Saturday. “He selected to out of respect for Invoice Russell.”

In the course of the ESPY Award in Los Angeles on Wednesday, James confirmed that he would return for a twenty first season after mulling retirement after the playoffs.

“I don’t care what number of extra factors I rating, or what I can or can not do on the ground,” James mentioned on the awards present. “The actual query for me is: Can I play with out dishonest this sport? The day I can’t give all the things on the ground is the day I’ll be performed.

“Fortunate for you guys, that day just isn’t immediately.”

James has received 4 MVPs, half of which got here whereas carrying No. 23.

He’s additionally received the Invoice Russell Trophy because the NBA Finals Most Worthwhile Participant 4 instances.