After his “Today’s not the day” speech, LeBron James is back on the news again. While jersey numbers in sports carry a significant value. It is more than just a number on the back. And James has worn two numbers in his 20-year-ongoing career, winning 2 championships each, with the no. 23, and no. 6.
Earlier this week, James switched back to his previous number “23”. While some fans are excited about this switch, some fans dig out LBJ’s old comments about Michael Jordan. The switch has caused a discussion amongst fans and the media about the best version of the all-time points leader.
LeBron James’ former teammate with words of praise for the King
Following the number ‘6’ retirement in honor of the NBA legend Bill Russell throughout the league. James went back to his iconic 23 for the season 2023-24 with the Los Angeles Lakers. And this has naturally made fans and media draw comparisons between the numbers that King James has donned in his career. When he was drafted in 2003, he picked the number 23 in honor of his idol, Michael Jordan, and that number came with its expectations. However, James lived up to the expectations and somehow exceeded them.
Recently, in an ESPN show, host Malika Andrews was joined by former teammates of James, Richard Jefferson, and Kendrick Perkins. When Andrews asked them about LeBron’s best version, between no. 23 and 6, Jefferson didn’t hesitate at all–he picked the no. 23 Cleveland Brown. And Perkins agreed, sharing the same view. They both think that was the best version of LeBron James!
Perkins explicitly said, “Bron, when he went back to Cleveland, that was a different Bron, and I actually got a front-row seat to some of those spectacular performances he was putting on. And that Toronto series, that was something special to watch from the sidelines.”
Perkins was all praises for LeBron when he went back to Cleveland! He said it was a whole different level of Bron, and he got to witness some incredible performances up close. That Toronto series was especially something special to watch from the sidelines.
And Richard Jefferson couldn’t hold back either! He called those Cleveland LeBron seasons the best basketball he’s ever seen from any player in his entire life. That’s some serious praise right there!
The Cleveland Cavaliers-LBJ
LeBron James has been in the league since 2003, and he has been the best player in the league for the majority of it. However, he has spent most of his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. And his second stint with his home city is widely regarded as his greatest tenure ever.
Fans and analysts regard the 2018 season as James’ greatest, where he displayed incredible athleticism and basketball intelligence despite being 33 years old. He averaged 27.5 points per game, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists while shooting an incredible 54% from the field, 36% from the three-point range, and 73% from the free-throw line.
He was the best in the Miami line-up but when he decided to go back to Cleveland, he had something big planned for the Cavs. He had revenge in mind. The celebration after the 2016 championship win was testimony to what it meant for him.