Mitchell & Ness, the top retro jersey manufacturer and fan memorabilia company, has released their yearly look at which jersey is the best seller in each of the 50 states.
In Massachusetts, of course it's Larry Bird (#33) of the Boston Celtics. In Seattle it's Steve Largent (#80) of the Seattle Seahawks. But who holds the title in Oregon?
Kobe Bryant (#8) of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yes, you read that right.
Who's fault is this? Do we blame the influx of Californians and other transplants, or are Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers really held in higher regard than Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and other Portland Trail Blazers heroes of yesteryear?