Top 20 Los Angeles sports figures

S.I. cover boy poised to be the top player in America’s top sport.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

With Steve Nash, brings the Lakers a Dream Team aura.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Defines star power. In most of the world’s cities, he’s probably No. 1.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Immense talent. Bonus points for celebrity dating.   (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

One of the greatest to ever play the game. But is he big enough for L.A.?   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Class act with monster ball skills. Can you wait for his match-up against Nash?  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

If he holds course, he’s someone you’ll tell the grandkids about.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Very marketing savvy, with strong ties to the entertainment world.   (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Draws comparisons to Sandy Koufax, the Dodger gold standard.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

With a smile that could light the dark side of the moon, may be the next Mia Hamm.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Hockey’s Clint Eastwood led the Kings to the promised land. If star power lags, blame the NHL and its TV deal.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Remember when she was the best player in the family?  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

No doubt a big deal in the extreme sports set, but has his moment passed?   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Perhaps L.A.’s most under-appreciated athlete.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Face of the Olympics, a gritty role model for young athletes.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

For any sports-drink marketer, she would be very high on the target list.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Gold medals, insane athleticism and a mom. What’s not to like?
Honorable mention: Andre Ethier, Dodgers; Landon Donovan, Galaxy; Torii Hunter, Angels; Pau Gasol, Lakers; Jered Weaver, Angels; Candace Parker, Sparks; Laird Hamilton, surfing; Marqise Lee, USC football; Robert Woods, USC football; Mark Trumbo, Angels; Shane Victorino, Dodgers.
Sources: Based on popularity ratings from the Q Scores Co., General Sentiment’s measures of social media presence, Forbes magazine rankings of most-powerful athletes. Steve Caplan of Message/LA assisted with the rankings.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)