...it's normal, right? What if LeBron was to join the Bulls but with a contingency that he gets to wear magical number 23. Would he be able to? Remember the Bulls would be getting THE LeBron James and likely become instant championship contenders. LaMarcus wearing 12 even though it's a retired jersey number is what got me thinking about it. I realize Bowen gave him permission. What do you guys think?
What makes you think the Bulls would give anyone MJ's # if Miami wouldn't? <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SXnTofiVcX0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I actually never realized that was why he didn't wear #23. I thought I remembered hearing that he didn't want the same number as Jordan? Anyway, LeBron ended up playing in Miami anyway. My question was what if it was a contingency on him joining the Bulls? What would the answer be?
Jordan would NEVER give him permission plus why would he bring that sort of completely unnecessary comparisons upon himself like that?
No, Bulls wouldn't agree to it. There is value in that asset that they wouldn't want to dilute. Don't see why Lebron would insist on it either.
What if Lebron wanted to join the Rockets but only if he got to wear Hakeem's number. Would you let him?
Lebron said publicly in 2009 (while still in Cleveland) that he was going to be switching his jersey number at the end of the season. He followed through on that when he went to Miami. Unless you're suggesting that he told the Miami Heat in November 2009 that he was going to sign with them the following offseason and they informed him that he would have to change his number, I don't know why you think Miami "refused" to give him 23.
A team can let whichever player wear whichever number. These retired jerseys aren't the law of the land.
