LeBron, Lakers lead NBA in merchandise sales
Despite the miasma of mediocrity encircling the 21-22 Los Angeles Lakers, the team - and franchise star LeBron James - are still a hit among NBA fans.
Through the first half of the season, King James leads all players in jersey sales at the NBA Store, the league announced Friday. Teammate Anthony Davis joins him among the top-15 most popular jerseys so far this year, coming in at No. 12. Together, they've helped the Lakers top the list of the best-selling merchandise overall.
Most popular jerseys
| Rank | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | Lakers |
| 2 | Stephen Curry | Warriors |
| 3 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks |
| 4 | Kevin Durant | Nets |
| 5 | Luka Doncic | Mavericks |
| 6 | Jayson Tatum | Celtics |
| 7 | Ja Morant | Grizzlies |
| 8 | Trae Young | Hawks |
| 9 | Klay Thompson | Warriors |
| 10 | Damian Lillard | Trail Blazers |
| 11 | Joel Embiid | 76ers |
| 12 | Anthony Davis | Lakers |
| 13 | Devin Booker | Suns |
| 14 | RJ Barrett | Knicks |
| 15 | LaMelo Ball | Hornets |
Of note, James changed his jersey number in the offseason, switching from No. 23 - which he wore during his two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and first three seasons with the Lakers - to No. 6, which he sported as a member of the U.S. national team and during his four-year stint with the Miami Heat.
Most popular teams
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lakers |
| 2 | Warriors |
| 3 | Bucks |
| 4 | Nets |
| 5 | Celtics |
| 6 | Knicks |
| 7 | Bulls |
| 8 | 76ers |
| 9 | Raptors |
| 10 | Mavericks |
Despite boasting one of the smaller home markets in the NBA, the Bucks have seemingly enjoyed a healthy bump in sales as a result of their 2021 championship victory.