INDEPENDENCE, Ohio—LeBron James is making good on his promise. James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed on Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the league retire it in honor of Michael Jordan. Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season. "All it does is back up LeBron’s beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He’s a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he’s doing." James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one legendary number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell have both made No. 6 famous. "The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said. James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day at practice. He isn’t the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24. "We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavs point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
