[Saba Sports News] Navigating NBA fandom can be a frustrating experience, especially when it involves discussing your team with others. A recent survey assessed social media behavior and identified the five most annoying fanbases.
The evaluation considered a vast array of social media posts over the past five seasons to determine the most bothersome fanbase. Notably, the top three spots were occupied by the Lakers, Warriors, and Knicks, given their massive followings in the NBA. The Miami Heat ranked fourth, while the Dallas Mavericks surprisingly claimed the fifth spot, thanks in part to their growing international fanbase.
Lakers fans, in particular, earned the top spot due to their high standards and vocal presence. The arrival of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook brought added scrutiny, with Charles Barkley even critiquing how Lakers fans treated Westbrook.
Being deemed annoying is, in a sense, a testament to a team’s relevance and visibility. Teams that fall into irrelevance, like the Charlotte Hornets, aren’t typically labeled as annoying because they haven’t been competitive. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, despite past irrelevance, have risen in the rankings thanks to star players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
In the world of NBA fandom, the size of a fanbase often correlates with the level of annoyance, but it’s a reminder of the significance of being relevant in a league where many teams struggle for attention.