LeBron James to Abandon No. 23 in Honor of NBA Legend Michael Jordan

In an attempt to start a petition and prevent current, as well as future, NBA players from wearing the jersey number that NBA legend Michael Jordan made famous over a span of two decades, Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star LeBron James has announced that he will be foregoing his number 23 in favor of number six starting next season. James has decided to make the jersey number change in order to pay homage to his idol and the man who is universally regarded as the greatest NBA player of all-time.

In an explanation that he provided to The Chicago Sun-Times, James said, "I think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon. There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade if there wasn't Michael Jordan first. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I'm starting a petition and I've got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it."

James' decision to make the switch to the number six was also influenced by his admiration for NBA Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Julius Erving, both of whom wore the number six throughout their illustrious careers. He wore the number six during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China and has also worn it during Cavaliers practices on occasion over the past two seasons, according to ESPN.com.