The Switch to 6 Leaves These Teams Out of the LeBron James Sweepstakes

The hue and cry was predictable. But it's misplaced.

Opinions are flying about LeBron James' petition to change his jersey number from 23—which he wore from his youth to honor Michael Jordan—to 6, which he wears for Team USA.

Some contend that it's all about marketing. Could be. Others say it signals a return to Cleveland, since he wouldn't have to petition the league for a number switch if he went to another team. Interesting.

LeBron says he thinks 23 should be retired leaguewide in Jordan's honor. Few seem enthused by that idea.

Regardless, it's out of our hands, so worrying about the hows and whys and wherefores will do nothing.

In truth, the ones worrying should be the following teams; you see, they're the ones who already have someone wearing number 6.

What in the name of Adam Morrison were the Lakers thinking?

If teams were prevented from signing LeBron for that reason—which they aren't, but it makes for a better slide show—here's a rundown of the Dirty Dozen that would be out of the running, and the guilty parties who already wear The King's new number.

Atlanta Hawks

There it is, the coveted No. 6. And so, our journey begins.

Mario West starred at Georgia Tech before signing with the Hawks in 2007. He also earned a degree in business management in economics—which should tell him that averaging as many personal fouls (0.8) per game as points (0.9) or rebounds (0.9) is not the way to keep an NBA jersey on his back, regardless of the number.

Hey, look at those numbers again; Mario averages a triple-decimal! Sorry, LeBron, there's no room at this inn.

Charlotte Bobcats

How ironic that the team owned by Michael Jordan would lose out because James will no longer wear MJ's number.

In this case, the culprit is Tyson Chandler, who not only wears No. 6, but who, like James, entered the NBA directly out of high school.

Seriously, where's the novelty?

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls' No. 6, Flip Murray, was playing for the Cavaliers when this pic was snapped. I couldn't resist the irony.

To continue the "six" theme, Murray has played in six NBA cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee.

He also played in Seattle—but it's no longer an NBA city—and Indianapolis, which is, in truth, an ABA city.

Hey, it all has to fit, somehow.

Michael Jordan wore number 23. Murray wears No. 6. LeBron will wear neither for the Bulls.

Denver Nuggets

Aaron Afflalo has dibs on No. 6 in Denver.

It's only fitting. On January 25 of this year, Afflalo nailed six—count 'em, six—three-pointers in a game against Charlotte.

That's all I've got.

Detroit Pistons

Ben Wallace went from the mountaintop with the Pistons to purgatory with the Bulls to a near-return to the pinnacle with the Cavaliers.

He was LeBron's teammate in Cleveland, but he won't be in Detroit.

LeBron would literally have to take the jersey off of Big Ben's back—and we all know that ain't gonna happen.

Los Angeles Clippers

OK, it's from summer ball. Brown hasn't been in L.A. for long, so the lack of photos of him in a Clippers uniform comes as no surprise.

Nor will the lack of photos of LeBron in a Clippers uniform.

Bobby, No. 6 is all yours.

Los Angeles Lakers

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

Milwaukee Bucks

Hey, this guy's good.

Bogut's in his fifth season out of Utah, is averaging 12.6 points and 9.0 rebounds a game this year, and just keeps getting better.

No. 6 is his. Next.

New Jersey Nets

This is the look that remains permanently etched on Courtney Lee's face in light of the Nets' 349th consecutive loss to the Cavaliers.

Speaking of New Jersey's losses, LeBron will be next.

Courtney, your number is safe with thee.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Eric Maynor looks good with that "Oklahoma City 6" jersey, doesn't he?

Good thing, because he's the only one who's going to be wearing it.

Synergy flash: He has six blocks this season. Just saying.

Portland Trail Blazers

OK, I'll be honest. I had to verify that Juwan Howard was still in the league.

Good grief, it's his 16th season, for crying out loud. If he wants to wear No. 6, we'll let him.

Just curious: What on earth is Rajon Rondo doing in this photo, anyway?

Betcha Howard got called for a foul. No problem, though—he gets "six" of those a game.

Sorry. Last, and also least...

Washington Wizards

Mike Miller wears No. 6 in Washington.

Not that it matters; this completes the trifecta of places Michael Jordan's been that LeBron won't be.

LeBron in D.C. is about as likely as Tom Knott being first in line to get his new number 6 jersey.

Google it if you don't know.

And that, dear friends, completes our tour of the teams who don't stand a chance in the LeBron James sweepstakes.

Don't ask me how I know. Sixth sense, maybe.