LeBron James Has Changed His Number 4 Times

LeBron James has changed teams three times over his remarkable. From Cleveland to Miami back to Cleveland to Los Angeles, where he has been since 2018. Over that time LeBron James has also changed his jersey number four times. Making such a swap is not as simple as it seems. Furthermore, does it impact jersey sales numbers? Do fans prefer to buy a King James jersey that sports 23 vs. 6? Therein lies the other unique component to this. Let's break it down. Cleveland Cavaliers #23 When James entered the league, he came in on the heels of wearing #23 at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. This is a nod to Michael Jordan. He would stick with this jersey number for his first seven seasons in "The Land." Miami Heat #6 When James took his talents to South Beach, he switched to number 6. Why 6? In 2008, James was part of an Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. James would win his first two NBA championships sporting #6 with Miami. Back To Cleveland, Back To #23 After four successful season in sunny Florida, James opted to return home. It's important to note, when King James returned to Cleveland, the Cavs had new colorway and uniform options, different from what was standard look from 2003 - 2010. This could have been a reinventive phase two for this marriage, and a marketing grand slam. Nonetheless, James felt in Cleveland, he needs to be #23. There were no arguments, as the 2015-16 season resulted in a thrilling world championship and the team's first parade. Los Angeles Lakers 23 To 6 To 23 James is now in his sixth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He started in his signature #23, but the last two seasons switched to #6. In July of 2022, NBA legend Bill Russell passed away. Russell is arguably the most notable #6 in the history of the game. Last season, teams sported a #6 patch in honor of Russell and retired the number across the league. However, it's this season where James is choosing to honor Russell by switching back to #23, CNN explained. Players looking to change their uniform numbers must have it approved by the NBA in advance. Everything from licensing agreements, to confirming the number is not retired or claimed, to checking inventory of jersey's for sale are vetted in the process. LeBron James has had the top-selling jersey in the NBA the last two seasons (#6). Moreover, James also had the top-selling jersey from 2018 to 2020 (#23). So, fans are not partial to a particular number the King sports. Perhaps Los Angeles fans take well to this, given Kobe Bryant switched from #8 to #24 during his career. Both of Mamba's numbers are retired and hanging in the LA rafters. The same will probably hold true for #23 and #6. When LeBron James and company head to Las Vegas to play in the In Season Tournament vs. the New Orleans Pelicans, you will see that yellow-accented #23 jersey number shining off those funky tournament courts. It is likely you will see Lakers' fans wearing both jersey numbers in support of James. [select-listicle listicle_id="683411" syndication_name="ranking-the-5-best-nba-uniforms-of-the-90s" description="yes"]