It’s been 12 years but LeBron James is back in the red, white and blue with hopes of leading Team USA to another gold medal.

As much as things have changed, just as many have remained the same. While James has a few more gray hairs this time around, he’s still performing at an elite level while wearing a number that fans have been accustomed to seeing him wear during his NBA career.

James, who switched back to wearing No. 23 with the Lakers before the 2023-24 NBA season, still wears No. 6 with Team USA as he did during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games. Why does he opt for the single-digit for international competition?

Why does LeBron James wear No. 6 for Team USA?

James first wore No. 6 for Team USA at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. After announcing he would switch from No. 23 to No. 6 during the previous season, James adopted No. 6 for his four-season tenure with the Heat.

James has called 6 “a number of mine,” referencing that his eldest son and Lakers teammate, Bronny, was born on Oct. 6 and his second son, Bryce, was born on June 14, the sixth month of the year.

In addition to the connection to his sons, James said that Julius Erving was one of his favorite players. Erving wore Nos. 32 and 6 during his career in the ABA and NBA.

Specific to Team USA, a now-outdated rule also contributed to James’ number choice.

FIBA basketball jersey number rules

Before 2018, players were only permitted to wear Nos. 4-15 in FIBA competitions. As such, James could not opt for his traditional No. 23 even if it was his desired number with Team USA.

While other nations have adapted to the rules, Team USA still only uses Nos. 4-15 for its 12-player rosters in men’s and women’s 5-on-5 basketball.

It is worth noting that during James’ Olympic debut, he wore No. 9 for Team USA while Dwyane Wade wore No. 6. The two swapped numerals moving forward.

LeBron James jersey number history

James has worn Nos. 6, 9, 23 and 32 at major stops in his basketball career. He wore No. 32 as a high school freshman, an ode to Erving. During his time with the Cavaliers, he wore No. 6 during practices while wearing No. 23 in games.

James wore No. 23 for his first three seasons as a Laker before switching to No. 6 for two seasons and reverting to No. 23 in the 2023-24 season

Season
Team
Number

1999-2000

2000-03
St. Vincent-St. Mary Irish
23

2004
United States National Team
9

2003-2010, 2014-18
Cleveland Cavaliers
23

2006-Present
United States National Team
6

2010-14
Miami Heat
6

2018-21, 2023-Present
Los Angeles Lakers
23

2021-23
Los Angeles Lakers
6