LeBron James is one of the few players in the NBA to still wear No. 6 after the league decided to honor Bill Russell and retire his number league-wide a couple of months ago. The King decided to return to this number last year after wearing 23 during his first couple of seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The great Bill Russell sadly passed away last July 31, at age 88, after living a life full of incredible experiences, good and bad. The Boston Celtics legend was highly respected not only in the NBA but outside the league thanks to his participation in social justice fights as one of the most vocal and advocate athletes of all time.
Now, only a few players will wear this number, and the King is obviously the most famous of all. This is a big honor for him, and Bron is committed to paying homage to Russell in any way he can.
LeBron James Gets Real On Wearing No. 6
Talking with reporters on Friday, LeBron opened up about Russell’s impact on the game and society, saying that he always admired the Celtics’ legendary center and receiving an award named after him meant the world to him.
LeBron will be one of the last players to wear No. 6, retired for Bill Russell:“It was always a treat seeing him at games, having an opportunity to win championships, see him up on the panel and give me the Bill Russell Award was one of the most delightful moments of my career.” pic.twitter.com/096IT3ABhz
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) September 30, 2022
“It was always a treat seeing him at games, having an opportunity to win championships, see him up on the panel and give me the Bill Russell Award was one of the most delightful moments of my career,” LeBron James said.
“It’s pretty cool, and for me to continue and live on his legacy wearing 6 this year, to continue to honor his legacy.”
Russell is one of the biggest legends in NBA history, the biggest winner of all time, a total icon, and an inspiration for many players that came after him. LeBron didn’t see him play, but just like every basketball player, he knows how important players like George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, and especially Bill Russell were for the development of one of the premiere sports leagues in the world.
