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Steve Blake changes jersey number to honor Jerome Kersey

Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 11: Steve Blake #25 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 11, 2015 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE/Getty Images

Trail Blazers legend Jerome Kersey died Wednesday, and tributes began pouring in.

Here’s one more.

Trail Blazers release:

Following the untimely and tragic loss of Trail Blazers legend Jerome Kersey, Portland guard Steve Blake will switch his jersey number to 5, hanging up the No. 25 that Kersey wore for the Trail Blazers from 1984-95.

“Jerome Kersey meant a lot to this team and to this city,” said Blake. “I’ve known Jerome for a long time now and wanted to honor him and his vast contributions both on and off the court. I consider it an honor to wear the number 25, but this just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Blake asked for and received NBA permission to change his jersey number to 5, effective beginning Friday at Utah.

This is a nice gesture, and kudos to the NBA for allowing it.