LeBron to Switch Numbers, Needs a History Lesson

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James fans, get ready to make some room in your closet for No. 6 jerseys. James told The Plain Dealer on Monday that he's filed the paperwork with the NBA office to switch his jersey number from No. 23 to No. 6 next season. He had to make the decision this week, the deadline to make the request to the NBA is Wednesday.

"I've done it," James said. "I already sent it in. I'm going to be No. 6."

**I could completely see David Stern pulling the strings behind the scenes here. The NBA is going to lose $400 million this season, and new jersey sales will help bring in some much needed revenue. It worked with Kobe, why not LeBron? But can’t you see Stern whispering in Kobe’s ear, “Hey Kobe, you know who else changed numbers? Michael Jordan. Maybe you should consider it.” And then, “Hey LeBron, Kobe changed his number. Don’t you want to be like Kobe?” This is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Kobe and LeBron are two of the most image-conscious, history-chasing players in the NBA.**

LeBron James on changing numbers (Nov. 2009): "I just 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 Dwayne Wade if there wasn't Michael Jordan first.”

LeBron James has always claimed to be a student of the game, but these comments show that he is just an ignorant clown. If he wants to change his number from 23 to honor his hero, Michael Jordan, that's fine. But to pick number 6 is ludicrous, not to mention insulting to the history of the game. Why, you might ask? Because Bill Russell wore number 6.

For those of you who, like LeBron, need an NBA history lesson, here are the basics on Bill Russell. As a player, Russell won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics (and as a result the NBA Finals MVP trophy is now named after him). Russell was a pioneer for African Americans in the sport of basketball and was the first bona fide black superstar in the NBA. He also has the distinction of being the first black head coach in NBA history. Throughout his career, Russell was victim to abundant racism and hatred, which he overcame to become the greatest winner in the history of sports. Bill Russell paved the way for black basketball players. Michael Jordan just followed in his footsteps.

So Lebron, let me correct you. Without Bill Russell there would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwayne Wade, and no Michael Jordan. Get your facts straight, Mr. Student-of-the-Game. And just for the record, Bill Russell has more rings than Michael Jordan, Kobe, and you combined. So King James, I say to you… Get a ring or be quiet.