Study Points to Lakers and Warriors Fans as Potentially the Most Polarizing in the NBA on Social Media

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors boast two of the largest fanbases in the NBA, thanks to star players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. However, a recent study conducted by Gambling.com suggests that these two popular teams may also have some of the most polarizing and potentially “annoying” fans on social media.

The study analyzed social media posts to determine which NBA fanbases were perceived as the most annoying by others. According to the research, Lakers fans were found to be the most “annoying” in the league, with over 12,000 social media posts in the past year describing them as such. The Warriors’ fanbase came in second place, receiving around 10,810 posts, and the New York Knicks’ fanbase was third with approximately 6,250 posts.

It’s important to note that the methodology of the study may have limitations, as it relied on the specific use of the word “annoying” in social media posts to gauge fan perceptions. This approach may not capture all forms of annoyance or criticism expressed by users. Additionally, the study was conducted in the English language, which limits its scope.

Nevertheless, the findings do reflect the immense popularity of the Lakers and Warriors, as larger fanbases naturally lead to more social media discussions and, consequently, a higher likelihood of being described as “annoying” by some users. On the flip side, fans of smaller-market teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers were seen as the least annoying, likely due to their lower profile and less fanfare.