Study finds Kobe is still the most popular NBA player in China

Despite retiring over a year ago, Kobe Bryant remains the biggest basketball star in China.

The "Black Mamba" was named China's most popular NBA player online by digital sports marketing company Mailman, finishing ahead of Stephen Curry, Jeremy Lin, Dwyane Wade, and Stephon Marbury, according to Andrew McNicol of the South China Morning Post. The company analyzed followers, engagement, and digital presence to determine the influence each player has on China.

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"Kobe has the ability to inspire like no one else," NBA China chief David Shoemaker said. "The reason we involve superstars like him is because he uses content to inspire people in China - and when he's there in person, his inspiration is at his fullest."

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, were deemed the most popular NBA team online in China, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers.