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When NBA fans think of jersey number 23, one of the first players that come to mind is the Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan. After MJ, it was LeBron James who did justice to that number. The King however has been wearing jersey number 6 for last one year as a tribute to a late NBA star. But now he’s going back to his former number.

Four years ago, LBJ wanted to gift his jersey number to teammate Anthony Davis after he was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans. But troubles with the $165.79 billion company did not let him do so. But now, things may finally be falling into place.

LeBron James going back to 23

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LeBron James started with jersey number 23 right from the start of his Cleveland Cavaliers days. His first stint wearing number 6 was back when he joined the Miami Heat and won back-to-back championships.

USA Today via Reuters

However, after James came to The Land, The Chosen One went back to wearing number 23 once again up until the 2021 NBA season. After that, James has been wearing his old number from his Miami Heat days.

The league retired jersey number 6 last August after the untimely demise of the Boston Celtics legend, Bill Russell. But the Lakers? star went on to wear the jersey number 6 for one last year in honor of the late NBA legend.

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According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, LeBron James will change his uniform from No. 6 to No. 23 next season. ?It?s LeBron?s decision,? Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group told ESPN. ?He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell.”?

So, King James wearing jersey number 23 will be his unofficial way of joining the Michael Jordan club once again.

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What troubles did James face four years ago?

Back in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers went on to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis, who had worn number 23 since his high school days, was about to be gifted the number that was being worn by LBJ at the time.

According to Bleacher Report, Nike did not let that happen that year due to James? number 23 jersey already produced. And the hit the company would?ve suffered due to that move. So, Davis went on to wear number 3 for the Lakers.

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Watch This Story: From Michael Jordan to LeBron James, the best players who have worn No. 23

Now, after honoring Bill Russell for a year by wearing his jersey number, LeBron James will be going back to his initial jersey number. What do you think about the change?