Basketball fans have a weird obsession with numbers. It makes sense, honestly. A jersey number isn’t just a digit on a mesh tank top; it’s a brand, a legacy, and sometimes a heavy burden. When your dad is LeBron James, that weight is ten times heavier. Everyone wants to know: what number is LeBron James son wearing right now?
The answer actually depends on which son you’re talking about. The James household has two rising stars, and they aren’t just copy-pasting their dad’s iconic No. 23.
The NBA Debut: What Number is Bronny James?
If you’re tuning into a Los Angeles Lakers game or catching highlights on your feed, you’ve probably seen LeBron Raymone James Jr.—better known as Bronny—running the floor in a No. 9 jersey.
It was a bit of a shocker when it was first announced. Most people expected him to stick with the No. 0 he rocked during his high school days at Sierra Canyon. Or maybe the No. 6 he wore during that high-pressure year at USC. But the NBA is a different beast, and the "why" behind the No. 9 is actually pretty moving.
Paying Homage to Juice WRLD
Bronny didn’t just pick a random number out of a hat. During his introductory press conference with the Lakers, he admitted the No. 9 is a direct tribute to the late rapper Juice WRLD.
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The rapper often used "999" as a symbol for turning a negative situation into a positive one. Bronny has been through the ringer—literally. After suffering a cardiac arrest during a workout in 2023, his journey back to the court was anything but easy. He’s mentioned that Juice WRLD’s music helped him stay calm and focused during the darkest parts of that recovery.
By flipping the No. 6 he wore in college, he created a new identity. It’s a fresh start. Plus, the No. 6 was actually retired league-wide by the NBA to honor the legend Bill Russell, so Bronny couldn't have kept it even if he wanted to.
Why not No. 0 or No. 23?
The No. 0 was already taken by Jalen Hood-Schifino when Bronny arrived in LA. As for No. 23? Well, that belongs to his dad. While LeBron has flipped between 23 and 6 throughout his career, he’s currently back in the 23 threads. Imagine the confusion on the court if they both wore the same number. It would be a nightmare for the refs and the jersey sales team at the Lakers store.
Bryce James: The Next Number in Line
Then there’s the younger brother, Bryce James. If you haven't been paying attention, Bryce has been growing like a weed and is currently carving out his own path in the high school and recruitment circuit.
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As of early 2026, Bryce has been making waves with his commitment to the Arizona Wildcats. He’s decided to take a different route than Bronny, opting to wear No. 6.
Following the Footsteps (Sorta)
It’s a cool nod to the family history. His dad wore No. 6 during the championship years in Miami and his second stint with the Lakers. Bronny wore it at USC. Now, Bryce is carrying that mantle into the college ranks. It’s almost like the No. 6 is the "transitional" number for the James kids before they hit the big leagues.
The Evolution of the James Family Jersey Numbers
If you look at the history, the numbers aren't just random. They are chapters.
- LeBron James: Mostly 23 (Jordan tribute) and 6 (Olympic/Miami/Bill Russell era).
- Bronny James: 0 (Sierra Canyon), 6 (USC), and now 9 (Lakers).
- Bryce James: 5 (Middle school/Early HS) and 6 (Arizona).
Basically, the "LeBron James son number" is a moving target because these guys are constantly evolving. Bronny's shift to No. 9 signifies he's ready to be his own man in the NBA, rather than just "LeBron's kid."
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What This Means for Your Collection
If you’re a jersey collector or just a casual fan, here is the breakdown of what to look for right now:
- Bronny Lakers Jersey: Look for No. 9 with "James Jr." on the back. This is the official look for his pro career.
- Bronny South Bay Lakers: Since he spends time with the G-League affiliate, you'll see the same No. 9 there.
- Bryce James Arizona Gear: Keep an eye out for No. 6 as he prepares for his freshman season with the Wildcats.
It’s easy to get lost in the hype, but these numbers tell a story of resilience and family respect. Whether it's honoring a fallen artist or a legendary father, the digits on their backs are more than just math.
Keep an eye on the official NBA and NCAA rosters, as player numbers can occasionally shift during trades or roster moves. For now, 9 and 6 are the digits you need to remember. Follow the Lakers' official team shop for the most recent authentic releases, as "James Jr." merch tends to sell out almost instantly whenever a new colorway drops.