LeBron James Confirms Return to NBA for 21st Season and Jersey Number Change

07/16/2023 17:33hs.

Recently, LeBron James confirmed that he will play the upcoming NBA season. Although it was expected to be so, some statements that he released after the elimination against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, where he questioned his continuity, had aroused negative speculation. But, with the yes from his mouth, the King will not only play his 21st season, but also change his jersey number.

LeBron will leave the number 6 number that he used the last two years in the NBA and will return to number 23, the same one he had in the Cleveland Cavaliers and the same one he had when he barely landed in the Los Angeles Lakers, back in the second half of 2018.

But your decision is not linked only to personal taste. The King will leave the 6 so that the Los Angeles Lakers can join the massive tribute that last year almost all the NBA franchises paid to the late Bill Russell, when they retired that number in the teams.

At that time, around August 2022, it was clarified that,Those who wore that number could continue to use it if they wished. LeBron was one of them, but, after finalizing this last season, He preferred to join the tribute and stop using it in the next campaign.

“It’s LeBron’s decision. He chose to do it out of respect for Bill Russell.” Rich Paul, LeBron’s manager, told ESPN. In this way, the King will return to October 23 of this year, when a new NBA season begins.

Bill Russell, NBA legend, passed away on July 31, 2022.

LeBron confirmed that he will continue another year in the NBA

LeBron was in charge of confirming that he still wants to continue playing, which keeps in force not only the fact that he can get one more title in case the planets align, but also the possibility that 23 plays with his eldest son, Bronny James.

In this context, LeBron revealed when the day he retires will be. “The day I can’t give it my all on the track is the day I’ll be finished. Fortunately for you, that day is not today.” said the King at the ESPYS awards ceremony.

With this confirmation, LeBron joined a select group of players who were present in the league for at least 21 years: Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis and Vince Carter (he has the absolute record with 22 years in the elite). .

What has to happen for LeBron to play with his son?

The parameters indicate that Bronny, who is currently 18 years old, may be selected in the Draft next season. Which means that the James could be on the court together when LeBron is 40 and his son is 19. In relation to this, it is estimated that the young t will be chosen with the pick number 19 of the first round, but obviously everything would be organized so that he falls on the team the King is on at the time.

For now, there is one more season ahead and, on that path, The Lakers will try to become strong and compete. For that, they made sure thatStaying with the arrivals in the middle of the last basketball calendar that were Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell. In addition, they hope that Anthony Davis stays as healthy as possible and contributes with an Austin Reaves who, despite his youth, exploded in the past playoffs.

LeBron and Bronny James. (AFP)
2023-07-16 17:33:24
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