Oklahoma City Thunder v Los Angeles Lakers - Game Four
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
The pick is in when it comes to LeBron James‘ jersey number with the Philadelphia 76ers following the star’s exit from the Los Angeles Lakers. For three straight NBA seasons, James wore the No. 23 with the Lakers.
This came after James briefly spent two seasons in Los Angeles wearing the No. 6. James also wore the No. 6 during his four years with the Miami Heat.
It appears things will be business as usual for James in Philadelphia. The Sixers announced that James will wear No. 23 with his new franchise, a jersey that is sure to become very popular in Philly.
Let’s dive into the latest NBA news on James and the 76ers.
Ex-Lakers Star LeBron James May Not Move to Philadelphia
Another interesting not regarding James’ future is that the superstar may not be moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. Instead, there is plenty of NBA rumors that James plans to reside in New York City, a possibility given the Sixers’ New Jersey training location.
“One source briefed on the process told The Stein Line that the Sixers’ proximity to New York City indeed emerged as a significant bonus lure on top of the chance for James to compete for a fifth career championship ring — with a record fourth separate NBA franchise — by teaming up with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, V.J. Edgecombe and Joel Embiid,” NBA insider Marc Stein wrote in a July 27, 2026, story for The Stein Line.
“The option of joining the Knicks and making his beloved Madison Square Garden his new home arena was not really there for James after the Knicks won it all in June, as established early in free agency by his longtime agent Rich Paul, but signing with the 76ers will enable James to maintain residences in both New York and Philadelphia if he chooses.”