LeBron James will return next season at No. 23 after moving from No. 6

Not only is LeBron James returning for his 21st season, he’s also coming back in his original jersey number.

James will return next season at No. 23, a move the Los Angeles Lakers announced Saturday by tweeting a picture of his back showing James’ name and number on the gold jersey.

James alternated between No. 23 and No. 6 after wearing 23 when he entered the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. He was ranked 6th and was the NBA’s top scorer last season, a number now retired by the league following the death of Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell.

Rich Paul, James’ agent, told ESPN that James made the move out of respect for Russell.

James said on Wednesday during the ESPY Awards broadcast that he will continue playing next season.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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