LeBron James has overtaken Michael Jordan as the US’ most popular athlete, according to a Harris poll.
Almost from the moment James exploded onto the NBA scene as the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft a debate has raged over who was the better of the two basketball superstars.
Jordan had held the top honor from 1993 to 2005 and again last year, before being supplanted this year by James, who was ranked No. 2 last year.
It is likely that James is even more popular after the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player decided last week to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers following a successful four-year run with the Miami Heat that brought the team two NBA titles.
The survey was conducted between June 11 and June 16 before James, a 10-time All-Star, made his decision.
Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees, who is retiring at the end of the Major League Baseball season, moves up three spots to third.
Rounding out the top five are Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning at four, while Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr are tied for fifth.
Tiger Woods, who had been No. 1 for five straight years from 2006, dropped from third last year to eighth.
There was no change at the top among the US’ most favorite female athletes, with tennis player Serena Williams top and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick second.
Venus Williams remained third, followed by Maria Sharapova and soccer player Mia Hamm at five.
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