Kobe Tops NBA Jersey Sales, Again

by Ryne Nelson

Kobe Bryant’s jersey is the League’s best-selling, according to NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com. Last season, Bryant’s jersey finished second (to Kevin Garnett’s), and it was first in 2006-07, when he began wearing No. 24. In 2002-03, Bryant’s No. 8 led the League in sales as well. Teammate Pau Gasol made the jump to No. 6 after last season’s blockbuster trade with Memphis.

Chris Paul made a big jump, rising from No. 15 just a season ago. At No. 9, Derrick Rose is the only rookie in the Top 15. What’s more, December was the best sales month in history, with sales up 10 percent over the same period last year.

2008-09 MOST POPULAR JERSEYS (thru Jan.)
TOP 15 PLAYERS TEAM
1. Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers
2. Kevin Garnett Boston Celtics
3. LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets
5. Allen Iverson Detroit Pistons
6. Pau Gasol Los Angeles Lakers
7. Paul Pierce Boston Celtics
8. Dwyane Wade Miami Heat
9. Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls
10. Nate Robinson New York Knicks
11. Steve Nash Phoenix Suns
12. Dwight Howard Orlando Magic
13. Ray Allen Boston Celtics
14. David Lee New York Knicks
15. Carmelo Anthony Denver Nuggets


2008-09 MOST POPULAR TEAM MERCHANDISE (thru Jan.)
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Boston Celtics
3. New York Knicks
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Chicago Bulls
6. Phoenix Suns
7. Detroit Pistons
8. New Orleans Hornets
9. Miami Heat
10. San Antonio Spurs