USA Today via Reuters
Jan 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 16, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James is returning to the court this season. After much hiatus, the NBA legend announced it himself on the stage at the ESPYS Award ceremony. Evidently, it has left fans and critics voicing their opinions on another season of the NBA with James on the roster.
But one particular analyst has trained his critics on a big decision regarding an on-court attire that LeBron disclosed a while ago.
LeBron James’ jersey number pick leads NBA Analyst’s rant
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LeBron’s return to the court will see him sporting jersey number 23. After wearing #6 on the back for the last two seasons, the ‘Akron Hammer’ will revert back to his old number.
However, the number is a coveted one. Arguably one of the greats of the game, Michael Jordan wore that number during his time at the Chicago Bulls.
James changed his kit number after the demise of NBA legend Bill Russell last year, which led to the NBA announcing the retirement of his #6, which he adorned for the entirety of his career.
When?James made the decision, it was clarified that he would be wearing the jersey out of respect for the legendary player. But his switch to #23 wasn’t taken very well by sports commentator Skip Bayless.
USA Today via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Mar 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
He had something else in mind about why the ‘L-Train’ changed his jersey number to 23. He made his ideas clear via a tweet.
I believe LeBron will change back to No. 23 for 2 reasons: 1) to honor Bill Russell and 2) to resend the absurd message he's now, as the NBA's all-time leading scorer, the GOAT, better than Jordan. Only fools believe that. LeBron James wearing 23 is a disgrace.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 16, 2023
Skip’s strong-worded reaction and post leave little to the imagination about what he thinks about LeBron’s decision. There has been constant internet chatter about who is the greatest among the two, which won’t be ending anytime soon.
Yet, Bayless’ tweet has caused spice to the rift. This isn’t the first time that the analyst has made such polarizing opinions on Twitter, though.
Bayless compares James and “wannabe” Wembanyama
The analyst always has several opinions about different aspects of the NBA. Just a few days ago, Skip blew up when there was a comparison between LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama.
Wemby came alive on offense tonight vs Scoot-less Portland. Nice touch, showed some range, led late charge w big 3 at 2 min mark. He's obviously no 18-year-old LeBron on offense. But just so tall and skilled. His tallest questions: Dominant will? Physical enough?
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 10, 2023
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Bayless has been in the news earlier for his comments. And for the most part of it, his comments have been about LeBron.
But here, he focused on French starlet Wembanyama’s performances in the Summer League, which left him uninterested. Still in his early days, the 19-year-old will be hoping for a better show in the upcoming NBA season.
What do you think about Bayless’ comments? Tell us in the comments.
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