UPDATE:
It is now being reported from Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes that Anthony Davis will not be wearing LeBron James’ #23 as previously planned.
According to Haynes, the Lakers were planning to reach out to NBA’s jersey manufacturer, Nike, to receive permission for the jersey change as the deadline of March 15th had passed. Nike decided they couldn’t permit the request due to production issues and a massive financial hit that Nike would have taken due to all of the #23 LeBron James jerseys that they already had produced.
It remains to be seen what number Anthony Davis will now wear for the season. We might learn more on Saturday, July 13th, as that is when his introductory press conference is.
Original Story:
LeBron James will not be wearing his iconic number 23 jersey in Los Angeles, next season.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, the star forward has gifted the number to recent acquisition Anthony Davis. Davis has worn #23 during his entire career with the New Orleans Pelicans. The LA Times’ Tania Ganguli has confirmed the report.
James had only worn the number 23 jersey, which he wore during both of his tenures with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Lakers. It is presumed that he will return to the number six jersey he wore with the Miami Heat after Davis inherits his previous number. LeBron has been wearing a number six jersey during practice runs with the Lakers.
The number six jersey may not be the only comeback from James’ Miami days. Earlier on Thursday, the King hinted that he may bring back the iconic chalk toss that was his pregame tradition before his second stint with the Cavs.
Could be making a return this coming year until forever! Stay tuned. 🙌🏾🌪👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 27, 2019
Davis has been cast as a key part of James’ Space Jam 2 movie. He has also recently agreed to waive his trade kicker in order to provide the Lakers with max cap space.
