Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Way back in November, LeBron randomly announced that he was considering changing his No. 23 jersey number as a way to honor Michael Jordan. Now he's made it official by submitting paperwork to switch from No. 23 to No. 6 next year.
We'd love to believe that this move is 100% based on LeBron's respect to MJ but I think we're all adult enough to realize what's really going on here. As long as LeBron wears No. 23, he's always going to be "the other guy who wore that number." By shifting to a new one, a number unaffiliated with any other megastar (except, you know, Bill Russell), he assures himself his own jersey legacy.
Also, LeBron assures himself of a huge merchandising boost next year no matter what he decides to do. If he goes somewhere else, his new jersey will blow up. Now, even if he stays with Cleveland, he'll get the "new number boost" built-in. Well played, sir.
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