Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

LeBron James Has Changed His Number 4 Times

Author Jeff Gorra

LeBron James has changed teams three times over his remarkable. From Cleveland to Miami back to Cleveland to Los Angeles, where he has been since 2018. Over that time LeBron James has also changed his jersey number four times.

Making such a swap is not as simple as it seems. Furthermore, does it impact jersey sales numbers? Do fans prefer to buy a King James jersey that sports 23 vs. 6? Therein lies the other unique component to this. Let’s break it down.

Cleveland Cavaliers #23

When James entered the league, he came in on the heels of wearing #23 at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School. This is a nod to Michael Jordan. He would stick with this jersey number for his first seven seasons in “The Land.”

Miami Heat #6

When James took his talents to South Beach, he switched to number 6. Why 6? In 2008, James was part of an Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. James would win his first two NBA championships sporting #6 with Miami.

Back To Cleveland, Back To #23

After four successful season in sunny Florida, James opted to return home. It’s important to note, when King James returned to Cleveland, the Cavs had new colorway and uniform options, different from what was standard look from 2003 – 2010. This could have been a reinventive phase two for this marriage, and a marketing grand slam. Nonetheless, James felt in Cleveland, he needs to be #23. There were no arguments, as the 2015-16 season resulted in a thrilling world championship and the team’s first parade.

Los Angeles Lakers 23 To 6 To 23

James is now in his sixth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He started in his signature #23, but the last two seasons switched to #6. In July of 2022, NBA legend Bill Russell passed away. Russell is arguably the most notable #6 in the history of the game. Last season, teams sported a #6 patch in honor of Russell and retired the number across the league. However, it’s this season where James is choosing to honor Russell by switching back to #23, CNN explained.

Players looking to change their uniform numbers must have it approved by the NBA in advance. Everything from licensing agreements, to confirming the number is not retired or claimed, to checking inventory of jersey’s for sale are vetted in the process.

LeBron James has had the top-selling jersey in the NBA the last two seasons (#6). Moreover, James also had the top-selling jersey from 2018 to 2020 (#23). So, fans are not partial to a particular number the King sports. Perhaps Los Angeles fans take well to this, given Kobe Bryant switched from #8 to #24 during his career. Both of Mamba’s numbers are retired and hanging in the LA rafters. The same will probably hold true for #23 and #6.

When LeBron James and company head to Las Vegas to play in the In Season Tournament vs. the New Orleans Pelicans, you will see that yellow-accented #23 jersey number shining off those funky tournament courts. It is likely you will see Lakers’ fans wearing both jersey numbers in support of James.

Ranking The 5 Best NBA Uniforms Of The 90's

Arguably, the 1990’s may have been the greatest cultural decade in America. Legendary rock music stormed onto the scene, hip-hop was in its “golden era,” Blockbuster video was the place to be, and the NBA featured some of the greatest basketball talent to ever play the game. During the ’90s, NBA teams also sported some classic uniforms.

Many of these looks are making a comeback. In fact, my kids’ in-town youth programs even opted to forgo the traditional jersey with the town name on it this year. Instead, each team was assigned the name of a NBA squad. Better yet, their uniforms are all a nod to the classic looks from the ’90s. We’re talking the likes of Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, and Orlando Magic originals.

In order to compile this ranking of which five teams in the NBA rocked the best and most classic uniforms, some conditions needed to be set.

Best 1990 NBA Uniform Criteria

Yes, the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers were prominent franchises during this decade (All 6 of Michael Jordan’s championships happened in the ’90s). However, teams that have not changed their uniform design presently are excluded. So, teams like the Bulls, Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Spurs and Trail Blazers are out.

Here is what I was looking for. The teams from the 1990’s had the perfect combination of classic uniforms, that were worn by beloved players. Furthermore, these looks still represent tradition and memorable years where the teams saw some success. For example, if you were to ask a NBA fan what do you envision when I say the name Karl Malone, the answer would be “The Mailman” taking the rock to the hoop in his physical one-hand-on-the-head pose, wearing the purple and yellow Jazz insignia.

Color Codes

It’s important to note, each player was able to seek their own sneaker endorsement at this time (much like today). However, pro basketball players had to follow some guidelines with what they could wear. Often it was a white or black sneaker only.

The irony here is that although the creative color options were limited, the sneaker game from the ’90s was also legendary. Air Jordan Jumpman’s from throughout this decade remain some of the most sought-after (and expensive) shoes.

In addition, there was a uniform format of the ’90s. Teams strictly wore white at home, and color away.

Not that we have fully set the stage as to what the best decade in the NBA looked like, let’s rank the five most legendary 90’s uniforms.

*Honorable mention for teams not included in this list include the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.

  • #5 Utah Jazz

    This Jazz logo is back these days. However, the purple away threads with yellow Utah Jazz across the chest remains a very 1990’s look. The basketball embedded in the “J” brings the logo to new level. The home look was exactly the same , it just featured a white uniform. Jazz Legends that wore this include Karl Malone and John Stockton.

    Shawn Kemp #40 of the Seattle Supersonics drives against Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz.

    Photo: Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images

  • #4 Orlando Magic

    This was the original Magic look. The team’s first season was in 1989, and they wore the white pinstripe home, and black pinstripe aways until 1998. The team made it to their first Finals appearance, sporting this look in 1995. Magic legends who wore this include Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway.

    Forward Antonio McDyess of the Denver Nuggets goes up for two as Orlando Magic center Shaquille O''Neal covers him during a game at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida

    Photo: All Sport / Getty Images

  • #3 Phoenix Suns

    The Suns sported a similar design model to the Jazz with a prominent graphic wrapped around the chest. The Suns made the list for two reasons. First, this look was such an upgrade from the previous uniform design, which really bland. Second, it was synonymous with that infamous team that took the Chicago Bulls to six games in the 1993 Finals. Suns legends that wore this include Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle.

    Forward Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns goes up for two during a game against the Chicago Bulls

    Photo: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport / Getty Images

  • #2 Seattle Supersonics

    Oh wow. The green with the white Sonics ribbon and yellow numbers is as classic ’90s basketball as you can get. The green and yellow may also be the best color combination in NBA history. It just fit Seattle and even rock stars like Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament wore these jerseys loud and proud. The Sonics should have never gone away from them in mid-’90s and Seattle should have never let the Sonics go. Supersonics legends who wore this include Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton.

    Xavier McDaniel #34 of the Seattle Supersonics looks on during a game.

    Rick Stewart/Getty Images

  • #1 Charlotte Hornets

    The teal and purple were just so out of the ordinary. When the Hornets came into the league in 1988 they immediately took the court marching to their own beat. They embraced the clip-art bumble bee. In contrast, both their home and away jersey only said “Charlotte” across the chest as opposed to “Hornets.” A more modern, upgraded look is what the team wears now. It slightly pays respect to their beyond entertaining teams of the ’90s.  Hornets legends that wore this include Larry “Grandmama” Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.

    #2 Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets at the free throw line about to take a shot.

    Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

Make Sure You're Signed Up For The Kiss & Tell Newsletter

Get the latest celebrity and music buzz find out what's happening in Charlotte, plus exclusive contests, and more!

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Jeff Gorra
Category:
Tags:
,

More KISS 95.1

Load More