feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

It is a weighty deal when the number on LeBron James’ back gets remodeled from No.23 to No.6. The Lakers’ superstar has been changing jerseys and their numbers since forever. His fans might find it difficult to keep up with his jersey merchandise, considering how fast he picks his alterations.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Initially, when LeBron got drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he opted for Jordan-like jersey No.23. Moving to Miami Heat, Bron had to switch to No.6 as the franchise had retired No.23 in honor of Michael Jordan. Other than those four years with Heat, Bron has been a No.23 man since joining the Cavaliers for the second time.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

After an end to the 2020-21 season, LeBron’s long project of wearing No.6 again has come into practicality. Since Nike needed more time for altering the jersey requirements, this news took longer than expected.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, now that we see a pattern, why not figure out LeBron’s difference in statistics with these two jersey numbers?

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: ‘Wait For LeBron to Get Healthy’: Former Pacers Star Predicts Lakers Plans Ahead of 2021-22 Season

ADVERTISEMENT

LeBron James: No.23 vs No.6

As far as years are concerned, LeBron James has been in the No.6 jersey for only 4 years with the Heat. He averaged 26.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 6.7 APG for that stint as part of the historic Big 3. And, the rest of his career, donning Jordan’s number on the back, he averaged 27.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 7.6 APG.

This set of numbers are quite competitive in nature and exhibit what Bron accomplished in Miami’s stint. With two championships on the run, LeBron was at the most dominant stage of his career.

ADVERTISEMENT

Can the No.6 jersey bring back prime LeBron?

We remember the King’s prime days when he cut through his opponents while playing for Miami Heat. With age slipping in as a factor, LeBron is moving into his 37th year. Despite a fourth championship in the Bubble, this season’s exit was particularly disappointing. If a number swap could make a difference, fans will yearn for prime LeBron to be back with No.6.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Lakers’ star has found his powerful right hand in the form of Anthony Davis, and expectations haven’t dropped from him as yet. So, is it time for another championship like the old days in Miami?

If not Jordan’s print, No.6 could prove to be LeBron James’ talisman in the history books.

ADVERTISEMENT

WATCH THIS STORY: Moments When LeBron James’ Legacy Was on the Line But He Fought Back

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Pavni Ahuja

536 Articles

Pavni Ahuja is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Housing a keen interest in sports journalism, she is pursuing an undergraduate Journalism degree from Christ University. Pavni is an ardent fan of the NBA, with prior district-level playing experience in basketball. A dash of proficiency in the art of the written word and sports fever is what pulls her into contributing to the field of sports journalism day after day.

Know more

ADVERTISEMENT