The NBA has for the first time released its list of top selling jerseys internationally, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has landed in the top spot for the 2011-12 season.
The 16-time All-Star was first in overall international sales, and also led the way in three regional subcategories including China, Europe, and Latin America. This marks the sixth straight year Bryant has led jersey sales in China.
The top-selling jersey in the United States for this season belonged to the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose.
The NBA bases its list on sales data from adidas locations outside the United States.
Rounding out the top five sellers internationally were Rose, the Miami Heat’s LeBron James, the Boston Celtics’Kevin Garnett, and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard. Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippersfinished ninth.
Bryant’s teammate Pau Gasol, a native of Spain, had the top-selling jersey among non-American players at 11th. His countryman, point guard Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, finished 15th.
WRITTEN BY Brian Kamenetzky | ESPNLosAngeles.com - Brian Kamenetzky blogs on the Lakers for ESPNLosAngeles.com & FULL STORY HERE