LeBron on why he changed his number:

[russwest0]

"I just think what Bill Russell has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon," said James, who has worn 6 since he was a member of the Miami Heat. "There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn't Bill Russell first.

"He can't get the logo [Hall of Famer Jerry West's silhouette adorns the NBA's logo], and if he can't, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 6. I'm starting a petition, and I've got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I'm not going to wear No. 6, then nobody else should be able to wear it."

You know, I'm usually not a fan of his actions but this time I must admit; well said LeBron. :applause:

[StephHamann]

"Now, if I'm not going to wear No. 6, then nobody else should be able to wear it."

so humble :facepalm

[Im Still Ballin]

Reported.

[mattvNJ]

such a mega-dbag

[russwest0]

such a mega-dbag

What? He's just being a good guy and honoring the greats as he should....

Classy move by LeBron IMO.

[Breezy]

I doubt the authenticity of this quote. Can you please provide a source? It

It sounds like the speech he made about the #23 when he changes his number to 6 only Michael Jordan has been deleted and replaced with the name Bill Russel.

[Jlamb47]

Lebron just said a few days ago that number 23 should be retired for Michael Jordan.........Then he changes his number to 23 -_- and wanna retire 6???
WTF wrong with this guy

[scandisk_]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

russwest is on streak :rockon:

[jstern]

I'm shocked that people seriously think that Lebron said that. I haven't read any quotes other than the OPs, but common. It's just common sense.

Here what he said about Jordan and his number https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-pffU5Qbpg

[GimmeThat]

anyone would like to give me a history lesson as to the symbolic reason of picking numbers on a jersey? besides differentiating players?

[Smook A.]

#23 LeBron: 2 MVPs, 1 NBA Finals loss, 6-time All-Star (In 7 seasons)

#6 LeBron: 2 MVPs, 2/4 in NBA Finals, 4-time All-Star (In 4 seasons)

[BrainDead]

#23 LeBron: 2 MVPs, 1 NBA Finals loss, 6-time All-Star (In 7 seasons)

#6 LeBron: 2 MVPs, 2/4 in NBA Finals, 4-time All-Star (In 4 seasons)
And what conclusion does this bring you to?

[edrick]

I'm shocked that people seriously think that Lebron said that. I haven't read any quotes other than the OPs, but common. It's just common sense.

Here what he said about Jordan and his number https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-pffU5Qbpg

They don't, they're haters, like the op.

[Smook A.]

And what conclusion does this bring you to?
Nothing, just wanted to share it.

[AintNoSunshine]

Wait, so the mods are going to allow trolls to spread utter lies in a supposedly informative forum(it's the opposite in reality I know)? Or are the mods really this stupid to believe this is really what Lebron said?:facepalm

[CavaliersFTW]

:lol

[Da Hammer]

:coleman: :roll: :cheers:

[CavaliersFTW]

Wait, so the mods are going to allow trolls to spread utter lies in a supposedly informative forum(it's the opposite in reality I know)? Or are the mods really this stupid to believe this is really what Lebron said?:facepalm
lebackpeddle

u mad?

[Im so nba'd out]

What a humble king we serve :applause:

[Prometheus]

You're all pretty dense. Yes this was exactly what LeBron said about Jordan and #23 during his last season with Cleveland. No he did not say the exact same thing again about Bill Russell and #6.

I say shame on LeBron for this one. Just because it's obvious that he lied about why he wanted to change his number. If #23 hadn't been retired in Miami already, he never would have done it. But it goes to show a few things:

1. He already knew he was going to Miami, and so he tried to come up with a clever way to explain the number change before the fact. Therefore the whole build up to the decision was fabricated, and there was no need to keep Cleveland in the dark.

2. The fact that he would change his number back to #23 again now shows that his words about Jordan were disingenuous.

3. That he would stop wearing #23 in a supposed tribute to the greatness and legacy of Michael Jordan in favor of #6 is an implied disrespect to the greatness and legacy of Bill Russell.

I still like LeBron, but this whole number change thing is less than admirable.

[GimmeThat]

you have no idea how terrible I feel for the guy who has to introduce him at the HOF inductee ceremony

is it even possible to introduce a guy like that after such action?

[pegasus]

This thread is russ' magnum opus:applause:

[Spaulding]

Lol at idiots who really think he said this..bait n lure.

[Hey Yo]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

russwest is on streak :rockon:
At least you remembered to switch to your alt this time Russ, before you complimented yourself.

[CelticBaller]

Russ with the ninja ether :applause:

[Beastmode88]

Well 23 is 2 and 3. Will he change his number to 24 next year if he loses again?

[Fudge]

My nigha Russ killin em. :dancin

[sportjames23]

russ trollin' the hell outta nikkas here. :oldlol:

[mehyaM24]

You're all pretty dense. Yes this was exactly what LeBron said about Jordan and #23 during his last season with Cleveland. No he did not say the exact same thing again about Bill Russell and #6.

I say shame on LeBron for this one. Just because it's obvious that he lied about why he wanted to change his number. If #23 hadn't been retired in Miami already, he never would have done it. But it goes to show a few things:

1. He already knew he was going to Miami, and so he tried to come up with a clever way to explain the number change before the fact. Therefore the whole build up to the decision was fabricated, and there was no need to keep Cleveland in the dark.

2. The fact that he would change his number back to #23 again now shows that his words about Jordan were disingenuous.

3. That he would stop wearing #23 in a supposed tribute to the greatness and legacy of Michael Jordan in favor of #6 is an implied disrespect to the greatness and legacy of Bill Russell.

I still like LeBron, but this whole number change thing is less than admirable.

i agree with you. im a big lebron fan, but the guy has a history of lying and backtracking. not very admirable at all.

[Basketball Fan]

http://www.ibj.com/the-score-2014-07-28-lebrons-latest-decision-sends-indy-plant-into-action/PARAMS/post/48780

[QUOTE]Shortly after 1 p.m., James got the message out on social media (he also tweeted it) that he has chosen to wear No. 23 next season and, within minutes, Adidas officials confirmed they were setting up all 20 printing machines at the company

[Akrazotile]

Nicely done OP

[imnew09]

Delivers as always :applause:

[(e)]

Dude said the same thing about 23 with Jordan lol

He needs to just stop

[Kvnzhangyay]

Dude said the same thing about 23 with Jordan lol

He needs to just stop

You realize he just took what he said about #23 and changed it to Russel right lol

[Crimsonrain777]

:oldlol: