You won't believe how LeBron really recruit Anthony Davis in 2019

A lot has been said that the Lakers signed Anthony Davis to be the new face of the purple and gold franchise once LeBron James retires from the NBA, but the reality is that the King since day one passed the torch to AD.

With information via Lakers Lead: In the 2019 off-season, when Anthony Davis was traded to the Lakers LeBron James tried giving the superstar his number 23. At the end of their first dinner as teammates, AD received a card that said ‘Welcome to LA - King James #6’. Then, LeBron pulls out a Laker #23 Davis jersey and says ‘This is yours’.

However, Nike denied LeBron changing his number as their jersey manufacturer did not grant permission. The LeBron 23 jerseys were already being produced and Nike would have ‘significant financial losses’ if they let the change happen. In the end, LeBron would stay 23 for the season and Anthony Davis decide on #3 while playing NBA 2K.

The duo would go on to win the championship in their first season together and became synonymous with their respective 23 and 3. LeBron would change his number to 6 in 2021 but Davis would stay number 3 in hopes of being the last Laker to ever wear it. With LeBron switching back to number 23 in honor of Bill Russell for the 2023-24 season we can once again see 23 and 3 together.

The Lakers Nation hopes LeBron wearing 23 again gives us another title

After LeBron James wearing the No. 23 on his Lakers jersey had the 17th championship title won for the franchise, and he has returned to that number for the next campaign, fans hope that another championship title comes with it.