LeBron James Dethrones Kobe Bryant as NBA’s Most Popular Player

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is no longer the most popular player in the NBA after losing that title to LeBron James, according to the latest poll conducted by ESPN.

The Miami Heat superstar garnered nearly 13 percent (12.9) of NBA fans to end the Lakers star's four-year reign as the most popular baller in basketball.

Bryant, who was NBA's most adored player in five out of the six seasons, still finished a close second after gaining 12.5 of total vote.

James finally topped the poll after seeing his popularity plunged drastically following his 'Decision' to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010.

James, who had a popularity percentage of 15.6 in his final season with the Cavs, continued his free-fall in the poll in his first two seasons with the Heat as he received 10.2 percent and 9.4 percent, respectively.

However, James' dominant run in the past two years which got him two NBA MVP awards and two NBA championships has apparently allowed him to win back majority of his old fans who supported him during his Cleveland days. The poll also indicated that LeBron has also gained new fans with 18.9 percent of avid NBA fans considering James as their favorite player at any point of his career.

James, who also finished first in ESPN's popularity poll in the year he won his first MVP award (2008-2009), got an overwhelming support from the Afro-American community with 24 percent of the population calling him their favorite player against the 16 percent of Bryant.

Kevin Durant (3.6 percent), Derrick Rose (2.8 percent) and Dwyane Wade (2.6 percent) rounded out the top five of the most popular players in the NBA.