Lebron changing numbers is not out of respect for MJ

[rondo987]

This is an interesting article I found on Yahoo. I'm not sure if anyone else has posted this, but I figured I'd share anyway. I gotta say I definately agree with this perspective that the move is purely based on business. It's the first time I've seen a columnist mention that Bill Russell (who some argue is more important to the history of basketball than MJ) wore the number 6. It's also an interesting take on how MJ and Lebron are business rivals moreso than a young athlete showing respect to his childhood idol. I gotta say though, this article makes a lot of sense.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebronjordan030210&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Greenbean]

Sorry didnt read the article but its why Kobe did it as well.
It spikes jersey sales for years. It's smart.

It happens in many other consumer products that are collectible or must haves. If you are a LeBron fan you must have his jersey. When he gets a new number, you must get the new jersey to be up to date.

If you collect  toys for example (Star Wars, GI Joe), if the toy company releases a new figure that is exactly like an old figure except the new one has different paint schemes, every collector will buy that new figure even if they have the old one. It's called refreshing and it should be in every business plan. 

[Amonkey]

I haven't read it, but I am assuming its the same one that said  something about Kobe doing the same thing, but not disguising it as something else.  At least Kobe was more straight to thhe point.

[Cman]

Agreed, very interesting article.  I buy it -- that LBJ isn't making the change out of respect of MJ, but bc LBJ wants to increase jersey sales...

[makaveli]

Agreed, very interesting article.  I buy it -- that LBJ isn't making the change out of respect of MJ, but bc LBJ wants to increase jersey sales...

I taught of that as soon as I heard that he's asking players not to wear #23, it was obvious. NBA is all about making money and they will sell 4-5 mill jerseys of #6 and make a lot of money with this.

[Moranis]

You guys all realize that this only matters if he stays with the Cavs.  Had he switched teams he would have new jerseys to sell.

No one seems to recognize that is the key point of the filing of the paperwork.  It seems to indicate strongly he is going to stay in Cleveland, otherwise there would have been no reason to file anything with the NBA.

[Greenbean]

You guys all realize that this only matters if he stays with the Cavs.  Had he switched teams he would have new jerseys to sell.

No one seems to recognize that is the key point of the filing of the paperwork.  It seems to indicate strongly he is going to stay in Cleveland, otherwise there would have been no reason to file anything with the NBA.

Hmmmmmmm.

TP

[fairweatherfan]

You guys all realize that this only matters if he stays with the Cavs.  Had he switched teams he would have new jerseys to sell.

No one seems to recognize that is the key point of the filing of the paperwork.  It seems to indicate strongly he is going to stay in Cleveland, otherwise there would have been no reason to file anything with the NBA.

Well, some of the teams he could go to have also retired #23.  So not necessarily.  Notably, the Knicks and Clippers haven't retired #23, but the Nets, Bulls, and Heat all have.

Plus, changing numbers also guarantees jersey sales whether or not he leaves.  So if he hasn't made his mind up yet, he's guaranteed to move a lot of jerseys either way.

BTW, when did this become LeBronBlog?  3 threads on the guy in the Top 10.

[Moranis]

You guys all realize that this only matters if he stays with the Cavs.  Had he switched teams he would have new jerseys to sell.

No one seems to recognize that is the key point of the filing of the paperwork.  It seems to indicate strongly he is going to stay in Cleveland, otherwise there would have been no reason to file anything with the NBA.

Well, some of the teams he could go to have also retired #23.  So not necessarily.  Notably, the Knicks and Clippers haven't retired #23, but the Nets, Bulls, and Heat all have.

Plus, changing numbers also guarantees jersey sales whether or not he leaves.  So if he hasn't made his mind up yet, he's guaranteed to move a lot of jerseys either way.

BTW, when did this become LeBronBlog?  3 threads on the guy in the Top 10.

no the paperwork is only necessary if you stay with the team you are at.  If he moves teams he can pick any number he wants to without the paperwork.  The only reason he had to file paperwork was to be #6 for Cleveland next season.  That is it. 

[cornbreadsmart]

jordan is the best player ever but he's not jackie robinson. I think it's weak for other teams to retire it. detroit? cleveland? these teams would retire his number?? come on. everyone stopped challenging jordan as hard after the suns title series. after that everyone started giving him more space. he would dominate anyway, but I always felt players stopped challenging him for fear of being embarassed. all he is , is the best player ever to touch a ball. I would make him the logo. that would be cool and fitting. but no way should the league retire his number.i think that should be saved for more special things like what jackie robinson did.

[Witch-King]

So you think he'll chose to stay in Cleveland? I wonder how difficult it may be to move LeBron to an eastcoast team if for whatever reason he wanted to change teams after this season. It may be difficult to lure comparable talent (ie veteran players) to a Cavaliers squad that was devoid of LeBron James - apparently Cleveland is the most depressing city in America to live in.

LeBron, a hometown hero has come to epitomize the best hope for Cleveland sports - most Cavs fans would be heartbroken if he decided to leave the city so that puts added pressure on him seeing as he grew up around that area (in Akron). Either way LeBron would ultimately have to chose what he felt was best for him and his career; if he wins a ring this year good for him, if he wants to leave after the season then teams would find some way to accomodate him.  

[BigDanz2000]

You guys all realize that this only matters if he stays with the Cavs.  Had he switched teams he would have new jerseys to sell.

No one seems to recognize that is the key point of the filing of the paperwork.  It seems to indicate strongly he is going to stay in Cleveland, otherwise there would have been no reason to file anything with the NBA.

Well, some of the teams he could go to have also retired #23.  So not necessarily.  Notably, the Knicks and Clippers haven't retired #23, but the Nets, Bulls, and Heat all have.

Plus, changing numbers also guarantees jersey sales whether or not he leaves.  So if he hasn't made his mind up yet, he's guaranteed to move a lot of jerseys either way.

BTW, when did this become LeBronBlog?  3 threads on the guy in the Top 10.

no the paperwork is only necessary if you stay with the team you are at.  If he moves teams he can pick any number he wants to without the paperwork.  The only reason he had to file paperwork was to be #6 for Cleveland next season.  That is it. 

I do not necessarily think that it means he is definitely staying in Cleveland, which he just might do.  I think he is putting that request in now in the case he does re-up with Cleveland.  He can file the request, but he does not have to resign with Cleveland.