When LeBron James came out last week and said he’s giving up No. 23 after this year and wearing No. 6 for the remainder of the season, I quickly sided with him. It’s not his number and we all know that. “If I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it,” James said. Maybe he’s showing some admiration for Michael Jordan. Maybe it’s genuine respect for MJ. But it brings up a good question: How come the NBA hasn’t retired Jordan’s number yet? The NBA surely owes him some respect.

As for LeBron, he should have been his own guy in the first place. We all knew of the God he was going to be coming out of high school. But the moment he stepped into the NBA, he should have worn his own number and been himself. Dwyane Wade wears No. 3 and Carmelo Anthony wears No. 15. Those are unique to them. Problem for LeBron is, he was the poster child to Mike. He was almost forced to wear No. 23. He was the guy to rejuvenate basketball and he surely has since. But without MJ, is there even a King James?

So good move LeBron, it doesn’t seem arrogant to me. You’re a class act. Nobody has the merit to wear No. 23, and it’s crazy enough that 13 players wear it. Is this LeBron’s foreshadowing move towards New York next year? Or is he just saying he will never surpass the standard of Jordan?