Ledger Pop Journal - Celebrity News & Sports

LeBron James would like NBA players to give up the number 23 (himself included) to support the contributions Michael Jordan made to the National Basketball Association and the game of basketball. According to an Associated Press news report, "James said Thursday he is considering switching his number next season and wants other players to do the same in honor of Jordan, the Hall of Famer who is often regarded at the league's best player ever."

LeBron James Wants NBA Players to Give Up Number 23 for Michael Jordan (Image: WENN)

The Examiner reports, "Out of respect to basketball superstar Michael Jordan, the Cleveland Cavalier stated he is planning to switch his number after this season from No.23 to No.6." James favors number six for Julius Erving, the NBA and ABA legend known worldwide as Dr. J.


Website "Real GM" notes James has a high profile supporter. Lakers coach Phil Jackson likes the idea of honoring Michael Jordan by retiring the No. 23. Via ESPN the website reports, "Jackson, who coached Jordan to six NBA titles in Chicago, compared the idea to the NHL's retirement of No. 99 to honor Wayne Gretzky.

He added that the only negative he sees with retiring No. 23 league-wide is it might be "a little step on the toes for a guy like Magic (Johnson) or (Larry) Bird." Is this a good idea? What about Bill Russel or Wilt Chamberlain or Magic Johnson and Larry Byrd?