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Why LeBron wears 23 and changed numbers 4 times?

LeBron James primarily wears number 23 to honor his idol, Michael Jordan, a number he's worn since high school. He briefly switched to No. 6 while with the Heat and later with the Lakers for personal reasons and due to a team jersey retirement, but returned to 23 out of respect for Bill Russell.

When it comes to NBA legends, the number on a player's jersey often carries deep meaning, and few numbers are more iconic than 23.

But why does LeBron James wear 23? What inspired the superstar to don the same number as the greats before him? And how does it tie into him switching to No. 6 twice?

Let's dive into LeBron's jersey number history.

Why does LeBron wear 23?

The most straightforward answer to why LeBron wears 23 is simple: Michael Jordan.

LeBron has openly stated that he grew up idolizing Jordan, who is considered a GOAT by many, and that wearing number 23 was a way to honor him.

"If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan," James said to ESPN. "You see game-winning shots, you think about Michael Jordan; you see guys fly through the air, you think about Michael Jordan; you see fly kicks, you think about Michael Jordan.

"He did so much, it has to be recognized, and not just by putting him in the Hall of Fame."

LeBron James and Michael Jordan

LeBron James and Michael Jordan

Credit AFP - Scanpix

From his early days at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron to his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron wore jersey number 23 as a symbol of respect and ambition.

Ironically, LeBron is now in part of the heated debate over whether he is better than Jordan.

Why did LeBron wear 6?

In 2010, LeBron James made a high-profile move to the Miami Heat.

The team had previously retired number 23 in honor of Michael Jordan, despite Jordan never playing for them.

Consequently, LeBron changed his jersey number to 6, which held personal significance:

He wore number 6 during his time with Team USA.

His first son, Bronny, was born on October 6.

His own birthday is December 30 (2+3+0+1=6).

He admired Julius Erving, who also wore number 6.

LeBron James with Miami Heat

LeBron James with Miami Heat

Credit Fotodiena.lt

This period proved fruitful, as LeBron secured two NBA championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013.

Why did LeBron return to 23?

After four seasons with the Heat, LeBron James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and resumed wearing number 23.

This return symbolized a homecoming and a reconnection with his roots in Ohio.

LeBron James with Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James with Cleveland Cavaliers

Credit USA Today Sports – Scanpix

This second stint in Cleveland marked one of the most memorable achievements of his career.

He led the Cavs to an NBA Championship in 2016, overcoming a 3–1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors—a historic win for both the city and LeBron's legacy.

From 23 to 6 and back again

LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and continued wearing number 23. But in 2021, he switched back to number 6, citing personal reasons and his affinity for the number.

This was also linked to a delayed jersey swap with teammate Anthony Davis, who originally wore number 23 in New Orleans.

LeBron James with Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James with Los Angeles Lakers

Credit USA Today Sports – Scanpix

However, after NBA legend Bill Russell passed away in 2022, the NBA retired number 6 across all teams—a move honoring Russell's impact on and off the court.

LeBron, the last active player wearing 6 at the time, returned to number 23 for the 2023–24 season. His agent, Rich Paul, explained: "He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell."

Legacy and significance of No. 23

For LeBron James, jersey numbers aren't just for identification—they're chapters in a story.

His long-standing association with number 23 is both a tribute and a personal motivator.

It represents the influence of Michael Jordan, the pride of representing his hometown, and the standard of excellence he strives to uphold.

Meanwhile, number 6 marks periods of transformation, international triumph, and personal milestones.

Whether it's 23 or 6, each number reflects a different side of LeBron James' legacy—but 23 will be most remembered as the number he made his own.

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