The Lake Show: Kobe, Lakers Regain Top Spots In NBA Store Sales

Lakers G Kobe Bryant's No. 24 jersey was the best-selling among all NBA players in total dollar sales at the NBA Store in N.Y. and NBAStore.com for the '08-09 season through April. Bryant previously held the top spot for the '06-07 season, before being overtaken by Celtics F Kevin Garnett last year. Meanwhile, the Lakers top the list of most popular NBA team merchandise, and have been the best-selling team for six of the last seven years. The Celtics last season overtook the Lakers on their way to the '08 NBA Championship. Sales of NBA jerseys overall at the NBA Store and NBAStore.com also increased 7% over last year (NBA).

FIT FOR THE CROWN: ESPN’s Jalen Rose said of Bryant having the best-selling jersey, “He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. He changed his number a couple of years ago. That helps jerseys sell, and Kobe actually deserves it because right now he’s playing on what we consider as the best team in the NBA and the favorite to win this year’s NBA (championship)” (“ESPN First Take,” ESPN2, 5/1).

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