LeBron James changing back to No. 23 'out of respect' for Bill Russell

LeBron James is switching back to No. 23 for the 2023-24 NBA season.

James, 38, wore No. 6 the past two seasons in honor of Bill Russell.

The NBA, for the first time ever, retired Russell's No. 6 last August after his death. However, James, then and now, was grandfathered to wear it since he had been already.

It's official. 23 is back. pic.twitter.com/hEqb5rQANk

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 16, 2023

"It's LeBron's decision," James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN on Saturday night. "He chose to out of respect for Bill Russell."

James also wore No. 6 for the four seasons he played in Miami.

James is returning for a 21st season.

--Field Level Media/Reuters