The NBA just announced their 10 most popular jerseys based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2008-09 season.

After placing fourth a year ago, Kobe Bryant moved all the way up to #1 of the top-selling jerseys, but as ESPN points out, Bryant changed his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 24 two years ago and the switch probably had a lot to do with his moving up from fourth to first in jersey sales.

Kevin Garnett found himself at #2 after his championship season in Boston, the ever-growing, and ubiquitous LeBron James was third, and Chris Paul fourth after his sensational campaign last season

Only one international player could be found in the top ten this time around, and it probably isn’t whom you think it is (Yao Ming because of Chinese fans), nor the other guy (Dirk Nowitzki), and probably your third choice (Manu Ginobili).

The only international player found in the top ten is Pau Gasol – probably due to his move to Los Angeles, and the fact that they’re winning.

Who am I kidding, that is the reason. Here are the NBA top 10 Jerseys:

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Kevin Garnett
3. LeBron James
4. Chris Paul
5. Allen Iverson
6. Pau Gasol
7. Paul Pierce
8. Dwyane Wade
9. Derrick Rose
10. Nate Robinson

Gasol’s jersey moved up 9 spots over last year, he jumped to No. 6 on the list, up from 15th the last time this list was released.

It makes sense.  I know Gasol’s visibility in Los Angeles can be bittersweet, though he has much higher visibility than he did in Memphis where he was the man, he is severely overshadowed by Kobe’s star power.  And even then he isn’t the “sexiest” international player out there.   With all this against him, 7-0 Spanaird is having an All-Star season playing for the best team in the NBA.

The most popular team jerseys were Laker jerseys (#1), Celtics (2), Knicks (3), cavaliers (4), and Chicago Bulls (5).

Links and Resources: Kobe’s #24 most-popular NBA Jersey (ESPN), Top Ten NBA Jerseys Sold in Europe (Interbasket)