NBA: Former Laker Gives Anthony Davis Blessing To Wear Old Jersey Number

Anthony Davis used the number 23 throughout his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans. And now that he is with the Los Angeles Lakers, The Brow will have to pick a different number and reports say that he will wear the no. 3 instead. Looking through past players who have played for the Lakers, it was Devean George who last wore that number.

George had his share of moments for the Lakers when he suited up for the franchise from 1999-2006. He won three NBA titles with the purple and gold. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors but was a far cry from the scrappy player he was when he was in Los Angeles.

TMZ Sports recently caught up to the former NBA star and asked him about the whole Lakers number jersey brouhaha. And while it may not factor in much, the 41-year-old said that it was more than okay for Davis to use his number. In fact, he takes it as an honor and said that he is not even half the player AD is. Apparently, this is regarding the fact that he was more of a role player and Davis is a legit NBA star.

"I am not half the player AD is! He can take my number! He can have #3. He can have whatever number he wants," said George, the 23rd pick of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Lakers.

While it may be a minor issue to most, the whole jersey number cause a bit of a problem for Davis initially. LeBron James was all set to allow Davis to wear the number 23, but Nike was unable to accommodate the request, citing production issues tied up to jersey sales, Yahoo Sports learned from league sources. Hence, he was forced to use the no. 3 instead.

Having talked to George, TMZ also asked him about the current Lakers. Apparently, the 6-foot-8 former NBA player was keeping tabs on the development of the Lakers and believed that the franchise is back on track.

The good news for George is that the number, assuming if it is relevant, will continue to be worn and possibly rack in more NBA titles. Though memories of him doing the dirty work in the past may eventually be forgotten, it seems all George cares about is seeing his former team recall its winning ways and bag more NBA titles - the gauge of which is at least three right now.