LeBron James' Reason for Wearing No. 9 Jersey at 76ers Practice Revealed in New NBA Rumors

LeBron James has been wearing No. 9 on his jersey during his first week of practice with the Philadelphia 76ers, a decision that reportedly has to do with a franchise icon.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, James chose to wear No. 9 rather than his traditional practice number of No. 6 out of respect for Hall of Famer "Dr. J" Julius Erving, whose No. 6 is retired by the 76ers.

Playing in a game-type atmosphere with the Sixers for the first time, James turned some heads with his unexpected number choice:

James will wear No. 23 for the 76ers in actual games like he has for much of his career, and he previously wore No. 6 with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as at the Olympics.

The only other known instance of LeBron donning No. 9 came during the 2004 Summer Olympics, which was the last time the United States men's basketball team failed to win the gold medal.

After spending the past eight seasons with the Lakers, James signed with the Sixers during the offseason in an effort to chase a fifth career championship.

As a 22-time All-Star, four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA Finals MVP and the NBA's all-time leading scorer, James is already one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.

However, if he can help bring the Sixers their first championship since 1983, it would add another rich layer to his legacy.