CLEVELAND — LeBron James wants NBA players to give up their No. 23s to honor Michael Jordan.
The Cavaliers superstar, who has worn 23 since he was a high school sophomore, believes players should pay tribute to Jordan for the Hall of Famer’s impact on the game.
“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized in some way — soon,” James said. “There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade, you name all the best players in the league right now and the last 10 years, there would be none of us without Michael Jordan.”
James said he has been considering the change for some time. He’s willing to switch to No. 6 — his U.S. Olympic team number — and wants to start a petition to get every player in the league wearing 23 to give up the number.
“I feel like no NBA player should wear 23,” James said. “Nobody. If I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”