NEW YORK — Kobe Bryant’s jersey is still more popular in Europe than those belonging to the NBA’s European players.

Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey was the top-seller in Europe for the second consecutive year, the NBA said Thursday. The list was based on sales from retail locations across the continent during the 2008-09 season.
Bryant, who also is atop the lists in the United States and China, is followed again by Boston’s Kevin Garnett. Spain’s Pau Gasol, Bryant’s NBA teammate, is third, with LeBron James fourth and Dwyane Wade moving up three spots to round out the top five.
No. 6 Tony Parker (France), No. 8 Andrea Bargnani (Italy) and No. 9 Jose Calderon (Spain) are the other Europeans in the top 10.