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Kobe Bryant, Lakers star in FanSided’s Fandom 250

By Christian Rivas

Nov 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) sits down in the front row with the fans while the malfunctioning shot clock is worked on in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) sits down in the front row with the fans while the malfunctioning shot clock is worked on in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fans of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers made the cut in FanSided’s inaugural Fandom 250.

Even at their lowest, the Los Angeles Lakers have the best fans in the world. While the Fandom 250 list didn’t quite represent that (accurately), the fact that the Purple and Gold even made the list of the top 250 fan bases in the world is a testament to how huge Lake Show nation is. Not only did the team make the list, but it’s most beloved son, Kobe Bryant, also made an appearance.

Here’s how the Lake Show faired in FanSided’s first installment of Fandom 250.

No. 118: Kobe Bean Bryant

Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Fans cheer after Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) hits a jump shot during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Bryant was playing in the final game of his NBA career. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Fans cheer after Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) hits a jump shot during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Bryant was playing in the final game of his NBA career. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Remember when ESPN ranked Kobe Bryant the 40th best players in the NBA going into the 2014-15 season? This is similar to that but at least 100 times worse.

Bryant, to a fault often, has some of the most passionate fans in the world. Exhibit A:

Need more proof than that? Read the replies of literally every tweet on basketball twitter. You can’t mention another player’s name in the same breath as Kobe Bryant without being constantly reminded that the Mamba did it better. Why? Because he did.

You don’t get that kind of praise from being an okay player. Five championships, two scoring titles, 15 All-Star appearances, a league MVP and a 60 point farewell game deserves more than No. 118. Especially when Steph Curry is No. 114 and LeBron James is No. 9.

Also, Robert Sacre snub? For shame!

No. 28: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers probably would have finished higher on this list if a large majority of their fans didn’t flock to the Golden State Warriors (No. 15) the past two seasons, but that’s a conversation for another time.

Yes, the Lakers are bad, but they’re getting better. In fact, a quarter into the season, the baby Lakers are actually competing for a playoff spot. How’s that for worst in the Western Conference, ESPN?

In all seriousness, no one could have predicted the season the Lake Show is having. Even the most die hard, delusional fans only predicted around 25 wins. The Lakers are almost halfway there with a ton of season left. If Luke Walton can successfully lead his young group into the playoffs, there’s no doubt the Lakers finish higher in the Fandom 250 rankings next year.

Next: Russell Wants Playoff Berth

What do you think about where the Lakers ranked? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Twitter (@TheLakeShowLife).

Find the full list of Fandom Rankings here.

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