LeBron to change no. in honor of Jordan

[shadowgrin]

In line with LeBron's reasoning, in honor of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, no one must use the hook-shot anymore. Oh wait...

[Andrew]

I know Jordan is widely regarded as the GOAT, but even so, this is just disrespect to the other legends of the game. If this somehow became a rule, it would basically officially make the GOAT claim indisputable and discredit the play of the Mikan, Russell, West, blah blah blah.

I wouldn't go that far and it's not as though it's something that's never been done in sports (Wayne Gretzky in the NHL) but as I said before it's an unnecessary gesture even if LeBron has noble intentions. Seems to me that wearing a number in honour of someone else is a fitting tribute. If LeBron wants to change his jersey number then so be it, a league-wide retirement of the number isn't necessary.

[Rip32]

Ok, so maybe this is just my conspiracy theory, but I think this is a sad attempt to try to get MJ to pay attention. Not that MJ doesn't pay attention to LBJ, but hear me out.

Last week Air Jordan announced the release of the Jordan 2010 shoes. MJ, personally picked Dwyane Wade to debut the shoes (sometime around the all-star break). I think that decision bugs LeBron and his proposal of retiring #23 is just a way to flatter Jordan.

Idk, maybe that has something to do with it, maybe not, but I think if you retire #23 you better retire #6 for Bill Russel too.

[Oznogrd]

With all the money Lebron has: you think he cares that jordan didnt let him wear the shoes first?

[Rip32]

With all the money Lebron has: you think he cares that jordan didnt let him wear the shoes first?

100% Yes. It's not a money thing at all, it's a pride thing. Wade sounded like a 9 year old kid opening up his N64 on Christmas when he explained what it meant to represent the Jordan Brand and wear the shoe first.

[Oznogrd]

Its brand name shoes: its all about money. There was probably some market research done of where sneakers sell better and Miami probably bought more fancy sneakers per capita than cleveland. if not..i should conduct said study. Its all about what's the smart move to make the most money. Not who likes who.

[Al Ka Pwn]

Good call on the shoe thing Rip32.

[Andrew]

Agreed, that's an interesting theory.

[Rip32]

Its brand name shoes: its all about money. There was probably some market research done of where sneakers sell better and Miami probably bought more fancy sneakers per capita than cleveland. if not..i should conduct said study. Its all about what's the smart move to make the most money. Not who likes who.

I don't really think it was a financial decision. Miami may bring more to the sales of the shoe, but LeBron James is a global icon. Wade is a star but he's nowhere close to LeBron. Having LeBron debut these shoes would have been a better financial decision on a global scale.

[Oznogrd]

By that logic (doing well on a global market) they should've gone to Yao or Kobe (based on jersey sales in china). Business is business and when it comes to premeires/debuts they're going to what they think would give them the best chance to make the most money. Notice also they premiered in a game with Lebron playing...which means everyone watching lebron would STILL see the shoe on Dwade.

EDIT: Also don't forget Dwade is on "Team Jordan" ...lebron isnt (partially because he doesnt need the help)

[jettdaking!]

LeBron changing his no. might take me a while to get used to.

[shadowgrin]

True that. It is a moment in history that humanity must try overcome and move on.

[air gordon]

Nice gesture I suppose, but unnecessary. I don't think there's any harm in wearing a number in honour of your favourite player growing up, it's a fitting tribute as it is.

Well number 6 is available in NY.

And Chicago, where LeBron wouldn't be able to wear #23. Just throwing it out there.

haha i was thinking this too. is it true that James is no longer answering questions about which team he will be playing for next season??

[Oznogrd]

when they asked the other night during the miami game when he announced the number change he just said "we'll see"

[Andrew]

Somehow, I doubt the questions will stop coming despite his declaration that he's done talking about it.