LeBron James likely won't get wish—retirement of Michael Jordan's No. 23

It might have been a nice gesture by LeBron James, but the likelihood of the NBA retiring Michael Jordan's No. 23 is almost nil.

James may still persuade several players to give up their No. 23s, but that alone won't convince the league office to send MJ's number to the rafters for good.

James said he is considering switching his number next season—to No. 6— and wants other players to do the same in honor of Jordan, the Hall of Famer who is often regarded at the league’s best player ever.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said on Saturday that “retiring a player’s number is a decision that has been made by the teams” and not the league.

The league has no policy preventing every player wearing No. 23 from petitioning for a change, though players generally have to wear a number five years before they can switch.

Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 and the NHL did the same with Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99.