He just won't let it go. Honestly, when we saw LeBron James switch to the number 6 a few years back, most people figured the era of the 23 LeBron James jersey was essentially over. It felt like a clean break—a way to distance himself from the looming shadow of Michael Jordan and carve out a final chapter that was uniquely his. But here we are in 2026, and that iconic 23 is still plastered across his chest.
It’s personal.
Numbers in sports usually aren't that deep, but for LeBron, it's basically a timeline of his life. He wore 23 at St. Vincent-St. Mary because he wanted to be like Mike. Every kid in the 90s did. Then he brought it to Cleveland, and it became the symbol of a "Chosen One" who actually lived up to the impossible hype. When he eventually ditched it for 6 in Miami, it wasn't just about a change of scenery; it was a necessity because the Heat had already retired 23 for Jordan. Fast forward to today, and the 23 is back for a second stint with the Lakers, proving some things are just meant to stick.
The Bill Russell Factor and the 2023 Switch
You might remember the confusion back in the summer of 2023. LeBron had been rocking the number 6 for two seasons in LA, seemingly settled. Then, his agent Rich Paul dropped the news: LeBron was pivoting back to 23.
The reason? Respect.
When the legendary Bill Russell passed away, the NBA retired the number 6 league-wide. It was a massive, unprecedented move. While LeBron was "grandfathered in" and could have legally kept wearing it, he chose to step aside. He didn't want to be the guy wearing a retired legend's number while the rest of the league was moving on. So, he dusted off the old 23. It’s funny because some critics said it was just a ploy to sell more jerseys. Maybe. But if you’ve followed his career, you know he’s a massive historian of the game. He cares about the optics of greatness.
Why Fans Still Chase the 23 Over the 6
If you walk into a sports bar or a stadium today, the 23 LeBron James jersey still outnumbers the 6 by a wide margin. Why? It's the nostalgia.
Think about the 2016 Finals. That block on Andre Iguodala? He was wearing 23. The 3-1 comeback against the 73-win Warriors? 23. His first stint in Cleveland where he dragged a mediocre roster to the Finals? 23. For most fans, that number represents the "King James" who broke the Cleveland curse. The number 6 represents the "Villain LeBron" in Miami or the "Elder Statesman" in LA, but 23 is the pure, unadulterated peak of his powers.
There’s also a weirdly specific market for these jerseys now. Since he’s played for three different franchises and switched numbers multiple times, certain versions have become collectors' items. A rookie-era Cleveland 23 is a holy grail. The 2018-2021 Lakers 23 (the one he wore for the Bubble championship) is another heavy hitter.
The Current Season: A New Kind of 23
As we hit January 2026, there’s a new wrinkle in the story. LeBron is officially the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons.
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Think about that.
To celebrate, the Lakers actually added a special "23" patch to his jersey this month. It debuted in Sacramento—the same city where he played his very first NBA game back in 2003. It’s a full-circle moment that feels almost scripted. These game-worn jerseys with the commemorative patch are already being sliced up for ultra-rare Topps trading cards. It’s a wild time for memorabilia, but it also underscores the fact that LeBron has stayed relevant long enough for his career length to match his jersey number.
Buying Guide: What to Look For Right Now
If you're looking to grab a 23 LeBron James jersey today, you've gotta be careful about what you're actually buying. The market is flooded with variations.
- The Icon Edition: This is the standard yellow (Lakers call it "Gold") jersey. It's the most common and what he wears for most home games.
- The Statement Edition: Usually the purple one. This is what you see during big-time matchups.
- The City Edition: These change every year. The 2025-26 "Remix" versions have been huge sellers because they blend elements from his different eras.
- The 23rd Season Patch Version: If you can find an authentic with the commemorative patch from this month, grab it. Those are going to be historical markers.
Don't fall for the "authentic" labels on random websites. If the price is under $100, it's almost certainly a knockoff. A real Nike Authentic—the ones with the heat-applied decals and premium fabric—will usually run you north of $200. The "Swingman" version is the sweet spot for most fans: it looks official, feels durable, and doesn't cost as much as a car payment.
The Future: Will it Ever Be Retired?
The big debate in LA right now is which number the Lakers will put in the rafters. Kobe got both 8 and 24. LeBron won a title in 23 (2020) and became the all-time leading scorer in 6.
Usually, the Lakers are stingy with jersey retirements—you basically have to be a Hall of Famer who won a ring there. LeBron checks those boxes for both numbers. My guess? They’ll go with 23 because it’s the number he’s wearing as he finishes this record-breaking 23rd season. It just fits the narrative too well.
If you want to own a piece of history, stick with the 23. It’s the number he started with, the one he returned to out of respect, and likely the one he’ll be wearing when he finally hangs it up for good.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official NBA Store or Fanatics for the current "City Edition" 23 jerseys, as these are limited runs that usually sell out by the All-Star break. If you're a collector, look for jerseys featuring the "23 Seasons" patch released in January 2026, as these are specific to this historic milestone. Always verify the "jock tag" on the bottom left of the jersey to ensure the serial numbers and Nike branding match official production standards.