NBA's LeBron James to Change Jersey Number

LeBron James, NBA's poster-child, wants to change his jersey number.

James filed paperwork with the NBA Monday to begin the process, according to multiple sources.

Currently, it's hard for one to see any type of NBA advertisement and not see the star's face.

What you also see is his jersey, and since 2003, it's been adorned with the number 23.

It's a magical number, based on the sole fact that one of the most recognizable names in sports made it famous.

Michael Jordan, who some say will be surpassed in legendary status by James, made the number famous during his career at the University of North Carolina and with the Chicago Bulls.

Since Jordan's retirement from the Bulls in 1998, a new face has graced the digits, and he's nicknamed "King James" for a reason.

The 25-year-old phenomenon blasted into the NBA straight out of high school as the No. 1 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and has become perhaps the biggest name in sports since his arrival.

He won the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award and was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2004.

The name "LeBron" can be heard all over basketball courts around America, as he's gained notoriety by being named to the NBA All-First Team three times, NBA All-Star six times, and the NBA's Scoring Champion in 2008, among other awards..

So it looks like he's heading down Jordan's path to success with the two and three on his chest, so why the change?

Last November, James said the NBA should retire the No. 23, making reference to Jordan's brilliant career.

Nothing having been done, he's now decided to "get the ball rolling" on the process, and wants to change his number to six.

The No. 6 happens to be his TEAM USA Olympic jersey number, and he's had success with it already.

The Ohio native already has two Olympic medals while donning the number, a bronze in 2004 and the ultimately prized gold in '08.

But does the change constitute controversy? Well, maybe so, but not anytime soon.

The number happens to be that worn by Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s and 60s.

Someone in the future may feel it's necessary to retire the No. 6 as well, but only time will tell.

It's safe to say that the odds of it will probably be raised by James's future performances.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/356596-nbas-lebron-james-to-change-jersey-number-change-questioned-by-some