From the AP:

LeBron James wants NBA players to give up their No. 23s to honor Michael Jordan. The Cavaliers superstar, who has worn 23 since he was a high school sophomore, believes players should pay tribute to Jordan for the Hall of Famer's impact on the game.

"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."

James made the comments following the Cavs' win in Miami on Thursday night. The news was first reported by The Plain Dealer. James said he has been considering the change for some time. He's willing to switch to No. 6 — his U.S. Olympic team number — and wants to start a petition to get every player in the league wearing 23 to give up the number.

"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."

Interesting stuff. What do folks think of the concept of retiring a number sport-wide. Jackie Robinson is one thing; is Michael Jordan another?

In any event, seems like a good time to do it for LeBron, considering he'll be with a new team and all in 2010. Sorry, Fasolamatt! Speaking of which, here's a joke from Matt to end the day and week:

A guy walks into a bar wearing a Browns jersey, and carrying a cat that also has a Brown's jersey on with a little Browns helmet on his head, too. The guy says to the bartender, "Can my cat and I watch the Browns game here? My TV is broke and my cat and I always watch the game together". The bartender replies, "Normally, cats wouldn't be allowed in the bar, but it's not very busy in here right now, so you and the cat can have a seat at the end of the bar. But, if there's any trouble with you or the cat, I'll have to ask you to leave." The guy agrees, and he and his cat start watching the game. Pretty soon the Browns kick a field goal and the excited cat jumps up on the bar and walks down the bar and gives everyone a high five. The bartender says, "Hey, that's pretty cool! What does he do for a touchdown?" The guys answers, "I don't know, I've only had him for 3 years."

We're guessing Jama has heard the joke a little differently.

/Cutler.