Much like the Miami Heat rose from the ashes to claim the second seed in the eastern conference standings heading into the playoffs. LeBron James surged from behind to regain the top spot in the leagues most popular jersey rankings for the first time since April 2004.
Kobe Bryant, who now owns the second most popular jersey in the league. Previously held down the number one spot since the start of the 2008-09 season. Does this signal a changing of the guard? Not yet, but it does signal that changing your jersey number and team can do a helluva lot to boost your sales.
Surprisingly enough, Rajon Rondo finished third in the rankings and four of his teammates Shaquille O’Neal (No. 12), Ray Allen (No. 13), Paul Pierce (No. 14), and Kevin Garnett (No. 15) all appear in the top 15. This marked the first time five players from the same team have earned a place on the list.
The entire top 15 list, after the jump.
Top 15 Most Popular NBA Jerseys:
1. LeBron James, Miami Heat
2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
4. Amar’e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
5. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
6. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
7. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
8. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
9. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
10. John Wall, Washington Wizards
11. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
12. Shaquille O’Neal, Boston Celtics
13. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
14. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
15. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
