LeBron James could reportedly have a new number next season, but Cleveland Cavaliers fans hope the words remain the same.
James filed paperwork to switch from No. 23 to No. 6, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Monday. He beat a Wednesday deadline to make the request.
The All-Star said in November that he was thinking of giving up 23 out of respect for his hero Michael Jordan, but at that time he was "50-50," according to the newspaper.
"I've done it," James told the Plain Dealer. "I already sent it in. I'm going to be No. 6."
Six is James' jersey number on the Olympic team, but the NBA does not have to grant his request. If James switches teams, he can choose any number he wishes. The change only applies if he stays with the Cavaliers.
James will be part of the vaunted 2010 free-agent class that includes Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. While Bulls fans would like to see him try to make No. 6 as legendary as No. 23 in Chicago, New York has also maneuvered to have enough cap space to sign James.
Cleveland can sign James to a longer, more lucrative deal.
Associated Press
Lebron is doing way too much. He claims he is changing his number because he believes the #23 should be retired league wide because it was worn by Michael Jordan, the games greatest player. Now he wants to change his number to #6 which was worn by the greatest winner in NBA history Bill Russell. So you avoid disrespecting Jordan but you now disrespect Bill Russell by wearing his number. At some point Lebron is gonna have to make up his mind on what truly makes sense.
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