Frankly I don’t know why I’m posting about this, because as a Laker fan, I could really care less how Kobe is viewed by people who aren’t Laker fans, let alone basketball fans. But in the interest of reporting news regarding the Lakers,  I’ve decided to put it up.

The Q Scores Company, which conducts popularity polls, placed Kobe Bryant as the 5th most-disliked American pro athlete behind Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick, golfer Tiger Woods, and Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco.

I guess the most-interesting part of the story is that LeBron James’ popularity has  plummeted, he’s now 6th right behind Kobe.

According to the report, James is viewed in what the company considers a negative light by 39 percent of the general population. In January, while still a Cleveland Cavalier, he was viewed positively by 24 percent of the population, negatively by 22 percent, according to the figures from the Q Scores Company.

In fact, his popularity figures were the highest the company had ever seen in January, so he took quite a hit after he made his decision to play Miami. And frankly, that’s not a big shock.

ESPN has the entire article if you’re interested.