The NBA is full of passionate fans who live and breathe basketball, but sometimes that passion can spill over into toxicity.
From aggressive online arguments to intense in-arena rivalries, some fanbases have developed a reputation for being particularly, well, extra. So, let’s have some fun and dive into the 15 most toxic NBA fanbases—because, hey, love ‘em or hate ‘em, these fans sure make the game more interesting!
15. Sacramento Kings
Kings fans have endured a long stretch of underachievement, but their loyalty and passion are unmatched. Their defense of Sacramento’s basketball culture is relentless, and while they may vent their frustrations, it’s clear their devotion to the team is pure.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
Timberwolves fans are a bit long-suffering, but their love for the team is steadfast. Even in down years, they maintain a sense of pride and protect their players fiercely, even if they occasionally let that frustration spill over.
13. Houston Rockets
Rockets fans can be unpredictable—unwavering in their support of their stars, but also vocal when it comes to criticizing management decisions. Their passion sometimes tips into heated discussions, especially in tough seasons.
12. Detroit Pistons
With a blue-collar attitude, Pistons fans hold on to the team’s history with pride. Though they may not always be contenders, they never back down from a rivalry, especially with teams like Chicago and Indiana, which makes them fiercely protective and vocal.
11. Dallas Mavericks
Mavs fans loved Luka, and they’ll make sure you know it. Their pride for their former superstar is unwavering and it’s unclear if they’ll ever get over his loss. Yet, at some point, you have to respect how hard they go for their guy.
10. Toronto Raptors
Raptors fans’ love for their team is immense, especially after their 2019 championship win. While they defend their success fiercely, sometimes they get a bit too defensive when others question their legitimacy, making their passion seem over the top.
9. Brooklyn Nets
As the Nets’ fanbase grows, so does their intensity. In fact, their fans can sometimes get overly invested in defending their team’s superstar status (especially when those superstars leave). However, their passion shows they are ready to rise with the team.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
While Cavaliers fans are still basking in the glory of LeBron’s return, their rivalry with Miami can lead to some harsh exchanges. They may still harbor some resentment over his departure, and when it comes to defending LeBron, they don’t hold back.
7. Miami Heat
Heat fans know how to bring the energy, but their loyalty can sometimes feel a bit conditional. When the team’s performing, they’re all in, but when the wins aren’t stacking up, it’s a different story. Their unpredictable nature keeps other fans on edge.
6. New York Knicks
Knicks fans have endured years of mediocrity but still believe they should be contenders. Their mix of nostalgia for the past and frustration with the present often leads to heated debates, especially when rival fans question their team’s status.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
76ers fans are incredibly passionate, but their fierceness can sometimes come off as hostile. From booing their own players to getting into loud, heated arguments with rival fans, their intensity can sometimes cross the line, especially during tough seasons.
4. Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans still hold on to the glory days of the ‘90s with Michael Jordan, and they can get pretty protective of their history. Their pride can turn into annoyance when people compare today’s teams to the dynasty of the past, which often leads to a lot of back-and-forth with other fanbases.
3. Golden State Warriors
Warriors fans have been on a championship run for the past decade, and their dominance has led to some serious entitlement. Whether it’s the Warriors’ bandwagon fans or their love for talking up their team’s superiority, their confidence sometimes feels more like arrogance.
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2. Boston Celtics
Celtics fans have a lot of history on their side, and they’re not shy about making sure everyone knows it. Whether it’s in their rivalry with the Lakers or defending their team’s reputation, they’re quick to get into heated debates and take any criticism personally.
Read More: 10 Reasons Everyone Loves to Hate the Boston Celtics
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans are legendary for their passion, but they also have a sense of entitlement that can be hard to ignore. Whether it’s arguing about championships, Kobe Bryant, or their team’s place in NBA history, their confidence can sometimes come off as arrogance. This combination of success and expectation puts them at the top of the list for most toxic fanbases.
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