Ranking the 10 Happiest NBA Fan Bases of All Time

Being an NBA fan is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but some fan bases have had more reasons to celebrate than others.

Whether it’s dynastic dominance, unforgettable moments, or just a general good vibe, these fan bases have basked in the most basketball joy.

10. Dallas Mavericks

This one may be a little surprising, especially considering the fact that Dallas fans are extremely angry about the decision to trade Luka Doncic away, but they’ve still had it good. Mavs fans have been smiling ever since Dirk Nowitzki single-handedly took down the Miami Heat superteam in 2011.

9. Philadelphia 76ers

Through all the “Trust the Process” years, Sixers fans never lost hope (or their voices). Allen Iverson and now Joel Embiid have kept them entertained, even if heartbreak is always lurking around the corner.

8. Miami Heat

Winning three championships and having LeBron James take his talents to South Beach made Heat fans pretty happy. Pat Riley always finds a way to keep them relevant, even when things look bleak.

7. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo gave Milwaukee the ultimate gift in 2021—a championship and a lifetime of incredible memories. Plus, watching him order a 50-piece nugget after the win was almost as satisfying as the title itself.

6. San Antonio Spurs

Few teams in NBA history have given their fans such consistent joy as the Tim Duncan-led Spurs. Their five championships and years of beautiful basketball under Gregg Popovich make them one of the most content fan bases ever.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James’ return and 2016 championship erased decades of misery in one fell swoop. The block, the shot, and the championship parade cemented their place among the happiest fan bases.

4. Boston Celtics

Eighteen banners and a history of winning will keep a fan base happy. Even when they go through dry spells, they always find their way back to contention, keeping the green faithful smiling.

3. Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan turned the Bulls into a global phenomenon, and those six championships still keep fans happy decades later. Even when the team struggles, the nostalgia alone is enough to keep spirits high.

2. Golden State Warriors

Before 2015, Warriors fans had it rough, but then Stephen Curry happened. Now, after four championships and a dynasty run, they’ve become one of the most joyful and spoiled fan bases in the league.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Between the Showtime era, the Shaq & Kobe years, and the recent bubble championship, Lakers fans have had it too good. Love them or hate them, they live in a permanent state of basketball bliss.

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