via Imago
Dec 15, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers celebrate guard Austin Reaves (15) making a three point shot to defeat the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 15, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers celebrate guard Austin Reaves (15) making a three point shot to defeat the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are two of the most successful franchises in NBA history. They both share 17 titles which account for 34 out of the 84 NBA Championships. However, it is natural that with this much success for both the franchises, other NBA fans look to find reasons to be salty with their success. From Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Magic Johnson’s dominant era to Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James’ modern-era revival of the team, the Lakers have witnessed a lot of iconic moments in their history.
However, according to sources, they remain the most hated NBA team in the United States.
.@SportsBettingAG put together of the most-hated NBA teams by state and… well, the most-hated will not surprise you: pic.twitter.com/Hm7ijDB6Z7
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 16, 2021
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Lakers are reportedly the most hated team in the NBA
According to SportsBettingAG, the Los Angeles Lakers are the most hated team in the NBA. There could be many reasons for this. This is not even a surprise to most fans. The Lakers have arguably made NBA basketball what it is today. Some argue that the Lakers added too much firepower to their team. Consequently, the absence of role players is causing a collapse in terms of consistency.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Los Angeles Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (7) high five during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
For a sports betting organization, the clearest measure for determining how much fans hate a team is how many bet against the odds being in the Lakers’ favor. Considering that the Lakers are using a risky approach this season, it is not a surprise that many fans bet against them. There can be many reasons for this conclusion, but nevertheless, it’s not a surprise.
What does this mean for LeBron James and the rest of the team?
LeBron James has often found his best form under the narrative of being the most hated player in the league. When the odds are stacked against James, that is when he has his best performances. From the 2016 NBA Finals to being the oldest player in the league with a 30 point triple-double, if anyone knows how to hustle against the odds, it’s LeBron James. So it is extremely doubtful that such hate would impact LeBron except the motivation needed to be better.
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