It can be debated whether or not LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA, but the facts say he remains the sport’s most popular player. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star led the league in jersey sales from October through December.

James’ popularity is only helped by being part of the NBA’s marquee franchise. The Lakers led all teams in merchandise sales, followed by the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Milwaukee Bucks ranked fifth in merchandise sales, in large part because of their superstar. Giannis Antetokounmpo was second in jersey sales for the final three months of 2019. The reigning NBA MVP is likely to win the award for a second straight year.

Stephen Curry is third on the list, even though he’s missed most of the 2019-2020 season with a broken hand. Curry is the only member of the Golden State Warriors that ranks in the top 15.

Jayson Tatum is fourth in jersey sales. James Harden ranks fifth. Tatum’s teammate in Boston, Kemba Walker, is 14th on the list. Russell Westbrook is 13th, giving the Houston Rockets two of the NBA’s most popular players.

Anthony Davis is eighth in jersey sales, making the Lakers the only team with two players in the top 10. Philadelphia has two players in the top 11 with Joel Embiid (ninth) and Ben Simmons (11th) selling more jerseys than most.

The Brooklyn Nets are the only team that has two new players on the list. Kyrie Irving (10th) and Kevin Durant (12th) both joined the Nets in the summer. Durant still hasn’t played a game for Brooklyn as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

Zion Williamson has never played a regular-season game in the NBA, but he rounds out the top 15. The rookie is expected to make his debut for the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 22.

Giannis Antetokounmpo LeBron James Bucks Lakers
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers hug following a game at Fiserv Forum on December 19, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Images
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