Why LeBron James Is Changing Jersey Numbers

LeBron James has notified the league he wants to switch from No. 23 to No. 6 next season as a tribute to a previous No. 23—Michael Jordan. In today's merchandise-crazy sports world, of course, the move is no simple thing. Nike, for instance, incorporates the "23" into its James logo. The league doesn't have to approve the switch, but it's unlikely to turn down the revenue from all those new jerseys.

"I've done it," James tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I'm going to be No. 6." His decision has sports bloggers speculating that it means he won't be traded after all—only players staying with the same team need to request a number switch. At Yahoo sports, Trey Kirby thinks the tribute to Jordan is "pretty cool," but he wonders what some legendary No. 6's—Dr. J and Bill Russell, for instance—will think. (More LeBron James stories.)