Lebron James: The Numbers Game

Lebron James made comments a few months ago about changing his jersey number. He said it was to honor Jordan, the greatest player, ever. It was a pretty emotional moment right after a hard fought game in Miami. Jordan had just been inducted into the hall of fame and he was sitting courtside to watch his newest business venture (Dwyane Wade) battle Lebron and the Lebron-aliers. At the time, no one really thought James would go through with the idea. Change his number? For what? To honor Jordan? Sounds noble and all but he also urged the rest of the NBA to do the same. I’m sure Marcus Camby and the like were all sitting around saying, “okay, but you first.”

Well, Lebron has followed through. He just filed paperwork with the NBA that will allow him to switch numbers next year. I thought this was a great move but most have taken every possible jab at this; calling Lebron a “marketing whore” or a “sham to make more money”. I’m not sure this has anything to do with either of those.

It’s not all about the Benjamins:

Jersey Money is shared between all players, whether they are Lebron, Kobe, or Kwame, they get the same check. So, let’s throw away the money-grab idea. Read more on this from Darren Rovell

Global Icon:

Lebron has long maintained that he wants to become a billionaire and a global icon when its all said and done. Last year he over came the human obstacle named Kobe and was named the MVP of the NBA. This year, he is well on his way to another MVP trophy, but there are two other top honors Lebron has yet to snatch from the Mamba’s fangs: A Championship and the #1 jersey. The championship can’t be had with a letter submission to the league (sit down NBA conspiracy theorists) so Lebron is going to have to work at that one a little more. But Lebron has pretty much sealed the fact that his jersey will outsell Kobe’s come next fall. As far as being a global icon, it doesn’t really get any bigger than Lebron as far as basketball is concerned, so im throwing this theory away also.

The G.O.A.T.:

Why can’t it really be about the greatest? How great was Russell? All-Time. How amazing with Dr. J? Poetry in motion. How many other “greats” have come and gone? If this was about honoring the great ones, we should at least retire 32 and 33 also. We should get mad the next time anyone wears any number. So many good players have donned so many different numbers; it would take advanced mapping skills just to keep up. Who’s the greatest to wear 33? Bird or Kareem? Which 32 is greater, Shaq or Magic? The best 6 will be… Russell, Dr. J or Lebron? Hell, Dr. J has sported both #6 and #32. Who’s the greatest #23? Ron Artest? Jor Bryant? Well that answer is easy; Jordan. 191 players have worn #23. 19 players still wear that number, whether it’s to honor MJ or to somehow say they are as good as MJ (someone wake those guys up from their dream state). In fact three of those current players are sponsored by Jordan. Yet none of them even come close. Jordan is Jordan: Unparalleled, unmatched, and forever synonyms with #23.

See, it’s simple; Lebron isn’t trying to disrespect some of the greats that played before him. This isn’t about who was good, who was better and who might be an icon. This isn’t about honoring the many great ones. This is about honoring the Greatest one; Michael Jordan.