LeBron James Retakes #1 Spot in Jersey Sales

"LeBron James was a little emotional this week when the NBA announced his No. 6 jersey was the worldwide top seller.

It had nothing to do with money -- players don't directly profit from their own jersey sales -- but everything to do with perception. The jersey sales chart is generally viewed as a barometer of a player's widespread popularity.

It was the first time in seven years James reached the top spot, the last time was at the end of his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004.

James said he sees getting back to the first position, unseating Kobe Bryant after a two-year run, as a sign there's been some thawing from fans nationally after his unpopular departure from the Cavs last summer.

"I never thought I'd get back there," James said Friday as the Miami Heat prepared to open the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon. "Maybe someday but especially this year ... it was humbling. Just getting all the attention and all the bad news about me that was out there -- it was meaningful."

Accustomed to being cheered across the league, James endured routine boos at arenas this season. He expected it in certain places, especially Cleveland, but getting it everywhere unsettled him. The news about the jersey sales gave him hope that it won't always be that way." Read Full Article -Via ESPN