Is Lebron James Changing Numbers to Sell More Merch?

Nike CEO Phil Knight must be excited. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Lebron James filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number from No. 23 to No. 6. Get ready for the merchandise explosion in both old and new Lebron James paraphernalia.

The move is brilliant for two reasons:

1) Collectors will now scurry for current No. 23 Lebron jerseys

2) Fans will add the No. 6 Lebron jerseys to their list of must-have items.

Sports purists and fans less cynical than I am will defend Lebron's number swap as a way for the future hall-of-famer to further distinguish himself from the legendary Michael Jordan. I'm sure ego is involved, but I can't think of a better way for an icon to boost sales than submitting a little paperwork to David Stern (who, by the way, is an incredibly savvy businessman).

Once Lebron switches numbers, his next merchandise windfall will come when he changes teams. Gotta have that fresh jersey!

Do you think Lebron is changing numbers so he can make more money? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

 

 

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Comments

[splinky]

03:53 PM on 03/03/2010

More money, and the fact that he discovered that 23 was a bad choice from the beginning--it made him look like he was trying to be the second Michael Jordan, not the first LeBron James, and now that he has realized that he will never, ever, be the guy people think of when they see the number 23, he wants to change.

[sheikwil4]

04:27 PM on 03/05/2010

He has just as much right as MJ to sell his brand I don't blame him. that's what seems to make better business sense for himself. I say bravo to such a smart focused young man to have good business sense. He doesn't have to live off MJ's name, he has made a name for himself. why don't u google him and see just how business savy this young man is.