Not exactly a shocker here — LeBron James finds himself atop the NBA’s list of the highest-selling jerseys. Per the AP:
James is again on top of the NBA’s list of top-selling jerseys in the newest rankings released Thursday. The rankings are based on overall sales from adidas and NBAStore.com in the fourth quarter of this year, along with Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday sales — both of which were record-setting, the league said.
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is No. 2 on the list, followed by Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks.
“If people love the way I play the game of basketball, love the way I inspire to be better, that’s great,” James said. “Everytime I see someone in my jersey, a complete stranger, it’s a ‘wow’ factor. For me to be the No. 1 guy, to have the most jersey sales, it’s crazy.”
There’s a double-digit percentage growth in jersey sales from last year, according to the league.
And with two new versions of the James jersey either hitting, or about to hit, the marketplace, his numbers might keep growing. James’ short-sleeved jersey — the one teams are wearing on Christmas this year — is expected to be a big seller, as will the Name Collection jersey, which the Heat will wear early next year bearing nicknames on the back. James will be going with “King James” on his jersey for those games.
And here’s the full top 15, per an NBA press release:
1. LeBron James, Miami HEAT
2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
6. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
7. Dwyane Wade, Miami HEAT
8. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
9. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
11. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
12. James Harden, Houston Rockets
13. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
14. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
15. Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
