It would appear that a pair of world championships healed the wounds of LeBron James' televised decision, as the Miami Heat forward has once again become the league's most popular player for the first time in four years, according to the latest ESPN Sports Poll.
Nearly 13 percent (12.9) of NBA fans said James was their favorite player this season, allowing him to best Kobe Bryant (12.5) for the first time since the 2008-09 season. That was the only other season when James passed the Los Angeles Lakers star, the top pick by fans for five of six years from 2006-07 to 2011-12.
It would seem that James has become easier to love since winning two NBA titles and two Finals MVP awards. James has already won two Olympic gold medals and a bronze in three Olympic appearances that began in 2004. During the 2012 Olympic Games in London, James joined Michael Jordan as the only two players to be named NBA league MVP, win an NBA Finals and be named Finals MVP, and win an Olympic gold medal all in the same year.
The numbers also show that James separated himself from Bryant with the thanks of his African-American supporters. Twenty-four percent of African-Americans said James was their favorite player this season compared to only 16 percent mentioning Bryant. James also skewed younger, as 18 percent of kids 12-17 said they preferred him while only 15 percent preferred Bryant.
Rounding out the top five are Kevin Durant (3.6 percent), Derrick Rose (2.8) and Dwyane Wade (2.6).
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