LeBron Gives Up Number 23 To Respect Michael Jordan

John Lamparski

"King" James plans to honor Air Jordan by retiring his jersey number, and would like all other players to do the same. Will the rest of the NBA follow suit?

Rashaun Hall Nov, 16, 2009

LeBron James is planning to give up the number 23 jersey out of respect to Michael Jordan and is recommending the rest of NBA follow suit.

In a recent interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, James said: “I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon. There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn’t Michael Jordan first.”

“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,” he added. “Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

According to reports, James suggested that he would switch to the number 6 jersey that he wore at the Beijing Olympic Games.

“My second-favorite player was Julius Erving, and he wore number six,” James said. “I wore 32 in high school because Dr. J wore it at first. My first child was born on October 6, it’s my Olympic number, my second child was born in June.”