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LeBron returns to top of NBA jersey sales pile

Miami Heat v Atlanta Hawks

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 11: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks on during a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Apparently, a lot of you wanted a LeBron James Miami Heat jersey.

Sure, you talked about his massive ego and how the decision was handled and how this reflected on him as a person — then a bunch of you went out and purchased a No. 6 Miami Heat jersey.

Which means in one sense — the global marketing sense — LeBron got what he wanted out of “The Decision” and his move to South Beach.

LeBron moved back into the throne on top of the NBA jersey sales list, according to the USA Today. He leapt over Kobe Bryant, who had been the leader the past several years but fell to second (based on sales at NBA.com and at the NBA store in Manhattan).

Often a star changing teams (or in Kobe’s case changing numbers) will spark jersey sales. But with the hit LeBron’s image took surrounding his summer decision and how it was handled, there were questions if he would see the same bump.

He has. LeBron has become a polarizing figure — people love him or hate him but there is no middle ground — but enough of the people who love him are buying jerseys to put him on top.

Maybe the biggest surprise is that Rajon Rondo climbed up the No. 3 spot. He led the way for the Celtics to sell the second most team merchandise, trailing the Lakers again.

The rest of the top 10 players in jersey sales were: Amar’e Stoudemire, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and rookie John Wall.