Bryant reclaims place as NBA's most-sold jersey

NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant excels on the hardwood and dominates on the racks, topping this year's list of most popular NBA jerseys. Bryant reclaimed the No. 1 spot, which he held in 2006-07, after being overtaken last year by the Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett. The list is based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2008-09 NBA season through April 2009.

Twelve players competing in the 2009 Playoffs appear on the list. The Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James regained the No. 2 spot, where he ranked in 2005-06, and the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul climbed to No. 3, his highest ranking. The Celtics' "Big 3" -- Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen -- appear on the list at No. 4, No. 7 and No. 12, respectively. The Orlando Magic's 2009 Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors Dwight Howard appears in the Top 10 for the first time at No. 10 and the Chicago Bulls' 2009 T-Mobile Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose ranks No. 11.

Fans continue to demand Los Angeles Lakers merchandise as the team tops the NBA's list of most popular team merchandise. Lakers merchandise has been the most popular among fans for six out of the last seven seasons. The Celtics fall to No. 2 after holding the top spot for the first time during its 2008 championship season. The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls round out the top five.

2008-09 marks the third season with adidas as the official on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA and sales of NBA jerseys increased 7 percent over last year at the NBA Store and NBAStore.com combined.