Going to Miami after seven unsuccessful years in Cleveland changed LeBron James’ career for the better. The King linked up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach to make it to not one or two but four consecutive NBA Finals. Even though they won half of those Finals, everybody remembers LeBron’s tenure with some love, and the team is expected to give him the ultimate honor once his career is over.
When he landed in South Beach, LeBron went from No. 23 to No. 6, a number that would mark a big era in Bron’s career. He was the most aggressive version of himself during those years, inflicting fear in those who went against him, becoming the best player in the world on both ends of the floor.
He left a big mark on the team while donning that jersey, and the team originally planned to retire his number once his career was over. In light of the NBA’s decision to retire Bill Russell’s No. 6 league-wide, the Heat will retire both Russell and LeBron’s No. 6, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.
“Having already retired the No. 3 of Dwyane Wade and the No. 1 of Chris Bosh, the Heat have not issued the No. 6 of fellow Big Three partner LeBron James since he left the team during the 2014 offseason, following four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals and two championships,” Winderman wrote.
“James’ Heat jersey retirement is anticipated upon his NBA retirement.”
James’ tenure with the Heat was not always happy, but there’s no doubt they had a great run together, becoming a strong force in the league. His name will always mean something for the Miami Heat, and the people within the organization know that. Retiring his jersey will be a great honor for him, but we have to wait until he calls it a career and decide to stop dominating rivals even at 37.
