When Anthony Davis was officially traded by the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round draft picks, LeBron James immediately made a welcoming gesture by gifting him No. 23, the jersey number Davis has always worn in seven NBA seasons.
That plan, however, wasn’t approved by the NBA or Nike.
Instead, on Friday night Davis announced on Instagram the jersey number he will be wearing for the 2019-20 NBA season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz2E2b5A04_/?igshid=19s0e4onszltw
Initially, James’ plan was to go back to wearing No. 6, which he had worn in his four seasons with the Miami Heat so that Davis could retain No. 23.
But the NBA denied the request since it was made after the March 15 deadline.
The league then told the Lakers that they would approve the jersey number change if the team was able to reach an agreement with Nike, who manufactures the jerseys worn by the Purple and Gold. However, Nike turned it down, citing financial and production-related challenges.
As a result, James will continue to wear No. 23 this upcoming season.
