In a postgame interview last night in Miami, Lebron James announced he will be changing his number from 23 to 6 at season’s end. In the interview with TNT’s Craig Sager, Lebron said he was changing his number in honor of the greatest basketball player of all time. Here’s what he said:

“I think no guy in the NBA should ever wear 23…[He] can’t get the NBA logo, much respect to Jerry West, so I think his number shouldn’t be worn by any player in the NBA so I’m thinking about just changing my number next year just to show the tribute of what he did for the game.”

Is Lebron truly being a humble athlete and changing his number out of respect or is their hidden motive behind the number change?

Here are a few things to consider:

• Lebron will either be with a new team next year or he will stay with Cleveland. Either way, if he changes numbers, he’s getting a new jersey.  His new jersey will instantaneously become the hottest commodity in basketball.
• Bill Russell and Julius Erving both wore #6. Bill Russell is one of the greatest Centers of all time and Dr. J revolutionized the game long before Michael Jordan ever stepped on the floor. Where’s the honor and respect for those players?
•  Lebron could honestly have an understanding of history and a love for the game. Perhaps he truly was humbled by Jordan’s appearance at the game. He probably watched every Chicago Bulls game growing up and wanted to “be like Mike.” That’s probably why he chose #23 in the first place.

Why do you think Lebron James is changing his number?