We here at The Same Intensity have admittedly taken our shots at LeBron in the past, but kudos to dude for getting the ball rolling on an initiative that David Stern should have banged his gavel on a long time ago. After the Cavs’ 111-104 victory over the Heat in Miami Thursday night – with MJ in attendance – LeBron stated in an post-game interviewwith TNT’s Craig Sager that he won’t wear No. 23 next season in honor of Michael Jordan and all that he did for the game of basketball.

“I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized in some way — soon,” James said. “There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwyane Wade, you name all the best players in the league right now and the last 10 years, there would be none of us without Michael Jordan.”

“It’s time,” James said. “He’s the best basketball player we’ve ever seen. Mike does it on the court and off the court. If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan. You see guys flying through the air, you think about Michael Jordan. You see game-winning shots, you think about Michael Jordan. You see fly kicks, you think about Michael Jordan. He did so much, it has to be recognized, and not just by putting him in the Hall of Fame.”

Aside from switching up to the No. 6 – the number Dr. J made famous – LeBron also stated that he doesn’t think anybody in the league should be allowed to wear No. 23 as well. That might disappoint Jason Richardson, Kevin Martin, Marcus Camby, Toney Douglas, Louis Williams, Jodie Meeks, Stephen Graham, Devin Brown, B.J. Mullens, Wesley Matthews, Martell Webster and C.J. Watson, but really, they can all get one of these.

While LeBron switching up his number will drive merchandise sales, it could also help drive the NBA to do what Major League Baseball did when it retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 45 across the board. I understand that Jordan didn’t break down any social barriers and isn’t revered worldwide for anything he did off the basketball court, but what he accomplished onthe court and how it transformed the game of basketball globally can’t be ignored. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson may have saved the game, but Jordan helped take it to previously unforeseen heights and left an indelible impression on an entire generation, and like LeBron said, it’s just time.

‘Bron, ’nuff respect. We salute you.