### Luka Dončić Makes History as First International Player to Top NBA Jersey Sales Luka Dončić, the star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has made headlines by becoming the first international player to lead the NBA in jersey sales during the 2024-25 season. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of his midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, a move that significantly boosted his popularity and sales figures. The NBA's announcement marks a significant shift in the jersey sales landscape, ending a decade-long dominance by American players LeBron James and Stephen Curry. ### Breakdown of the News Event 1. **Historic Achievement**: - Luka Dončić is the first international player to top the NBA's jersey sales list, a notable milestone in the league's history [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/luka-doncic-first-international-player-lead-nba-jersey-sales-top-10-selling-2025-jerseys-2061853]. 2. **Impact of Trade**: - The trade that sent Dončić from the Mavericks to the Lakers was a pivotal factor in his surge in jersey sales, as it energized the fan base and increased his visibility [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2025/04/14/luka-doncic-becomes-first-international-player-to-lead-nbas-top-selling-jersey-list]. 3. **End of an Era**: - This season marks the first time since 2012-13 that neither LeBron James nor Stephen Curry holds the top-selling jersey, highlighting a significant shift in market dynamics [https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/luka-doncic-leads-nba-jersey-sales-after-los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks-trade-]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Top-Selling Jerseys for 2024-25**: - 1. Luka Dončić (Lakers) - No. 77 - 2. Stephen Curry (Warriors) - No. 30 - 3. LeBron James (Lakers) - No. 23 - 4. Jayson Tatum (Celtics) - 5. Jalen Brunson (Knicks) - 6. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) - 7. Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves) - 8. Ja Morant (Grizzlies) - 9. Shaquille O'Neal (Lakers) - 10. Kevin Durant (Suns) [https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/lakers-luka-doncic-becomes-first-international-player-to-have-nbas-highest-selling-jersey-ousting-stephen-curry-and-lebron-james-211407719.html]. - **Fan Engagement**: - The Lakers' acquisition of Dončić has led to a significant increase in fan engagement, with the team generating a league-high 3.23 billion views on social media platforms for highlights featuring James, followed by Curry and Dončić [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/lakers_dominate_shirt_sales_and_popularity_contest/s1_17201_42056120]. ### Conclusion: A New Era in NBA Jersey Sales In summary, **Luka Dončić's rise to the top of NBA jersey sales signifies a transformative moment in the league**, showcasing the growing global influence of international players. The following points encapsulate the key takeaways: 1. **Historic Milestone**: Dončić is the first international player to lead in jersey sales, breaking a long-standing American dominance. 2. **Trade Impact**: His midseason trade to the Lakers was crucial in boosting his sales and popularity. 3. **Market Shift**: This season marks a significant change in the jersey sales landscape, with Dončić dethroning both LeBron James and Stephen Curry. This development not only highlights Dončić's individual talent but also reflects the evolving nature of the NBA as a global brand [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6278555/2025/04/14/luka-doncic-nba-best-selling-jersey].