There apparently will be a new No. 23 in Los Angeles next NBA season.
LeBron James is giving the number he's worn most of his career to Anthony Davis, who is set to officially become a member of the Lakers soon, Yahoo (NASDAQ:AABA) Sports reported Thursday, citing league sources.
The NBA has been told of the planned change, according to the report.
The Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans agreed on June 15 to a trade that will send Davis to Los Angeles in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round draft picks. The trade cannot be finalized until July 6.
On Thursday, the Washington Wizards became a third party to the trade, acquiring Moritz Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones from the Lakers, allowing them to free cap space to sign another superstar to go with James and Davis.
Davis wore No. 23 during his seven years in New Orleans, and James wore it during his 11 seasons in Cleveland and last year with the Lakers, and he chose No. 6 when he joined the Miami Heat in 2010. He played there four seasons.
What number James will pick with the Lakers is up in the air.
The Lakers have retired the following numbers: 8, Kobe Bryant; 13, Wilt Chamberlain; 22, Elgin Baylor; 24, Kobe Bryant; 25, Gail Goodrich; 32, Magic Johnson; 33, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; 34, Shaquille O'Neal; 42, James Worthy; 44, Jerry West; and 52, Jamaal Wilkes.
--Field Level Media