Despite two consecutive losing seasons that ended in the franchise’s worst winning percentage during 2014-15, the Los Angeles Lakers remain one of the most popular teams around the NBA. Although popularity isn’t an exact concept and there isn’t any one particular to measure it, the team’s reach and brand can be well recognized throughout the world.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
One measure of the team’s popularity is through merchandise and jersey sales. According to USA TODAY’s Jeff Zillgitt, the Lakers had the fourth most merchandise sales among all NBA team between the months of April and June:
1. Golden State Warriors
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. San Antonio Spurs
In addition, Kobe Bryant also placed near the top and had the sixth most jersey sales among NBA players during the same time span:
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
4. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
6. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are currently trending upwards after drafting D’Angelo Russell second overall in the NBA Draft. He will be joining fellow rookies Larry Nance Jr. and Anthony Brown in the Las Vegas Summer League and play alongside Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Tarik Black.
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