LeBron James is making a jersey number change.
The 19-time All-Star will go back to wearing No. 23 from No. 6 to honor the late Bill Russell, Klutch Sports CEO and agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Saturday night.
LeBron first wore No. 6 with the Miami Heat from 2011-14 and switched back to it again in 2022.
But last summer, the iconic Russell — a five-time NBA MVP — died at 88 years old, and the NBA subsequently announced that No. 6 would be retired across the league.
However, players that were already wearing No. 6 — including James — would be grandfathered in and be allowed to continue wearing it.
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But going into the 2023-24 season, James will go back to No. 23, the number he’s worn for 14 of his first 20 seasons in the league.
“It’s LeBron’s decision,” Paul told ESPN on Saturday. “He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell.”
LeBron James will go back to No. 23 this season.Getty Images
During the ESPY Award in Los Angeles on Wednesday, James confirmed that he would return for a 21st season after mulling retirement after the playoffs.
“I don’t care how many more points I score, or what I can or cannot do on the floor,” James said at the awards show. “The real question for me is: Can I play without cheating this game? The day I can’t give everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done.
“Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”
Bill Russell, left, greets Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016.AP
James has won four MVPs, half of which came while wearing No. 23.
He’s also won the Bill Russell Trophy as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player four times.
