Internationally, everyone wants to be like Kobe
Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives around Nick Collison #4 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. (May 16, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The NBA announced Thursday that Kobe Bryant's jersey is the best-selling internationally.
It was the first time the NBA released a comprehensive list naming the most popular jerseys outside of the United States, according to the league.
Bryant edged out Derrick Rose for the top selling jersey outside of the United States. Rose had the best-selling jersey in the U.S. this past year.
Following Bryant and Rose in the top five were LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard.
Pau Gasol had the top-selling jersey internationally among foreign-born players, and the 11th best-selling overall. Gasol was followed by Dirk Nowitzki (12th overall), Tony Parker (14th) and Ricky Rubio (15th).
Bryant also had the top-selling jersey in China, Europe and Latin America. The 2011-12 season marked the sixth straight season Bryant's jersey was the most popular in China.
Rose had the second most popular jersey in China and Europe, while James had the second most popular jersey in Latin America.
