Russell passed away last July. The NBA retired No. 6 across the league, but current players wearing No. 6 at the time were grandfathered in. James wore No. 6 last season but will go back to No. 23 next season, according to his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
“It’s LeBron’s decision,” Paul said. “He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell.”
James wore No. 23 in both of his stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He wore No. 6 in his four years with the Miami Heat since the Heat retired No. 23 in honor of Michael Jordan. LeBron first wore No. 6 in international competition for Team USA.
James announced at the 2023 ESPY Awards that he’ll be playing next season. “The King” hinted at retirement after the Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. However, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will be back for his 21st season.
James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. He has a player option for the 2024-25 season. “The King” averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists last season while shooting 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line.
LeBron then put up 24.5 points, 9.9 boards and 6.5 assists per game in the 2023 playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Nuggets. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP was still one of the best players in the world despite being 38 years old.
James can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024 and sign with the team his son, Bronny, gets drafted by. It will be fascinating to see if that happens since no father has played with or against his son in the league.