In the NBA, it’s not just about winning championships, it’s about the enemies you make along the way. From dynasties that crushed dreams to scrappy teams that talked a little too much for their own good, every franchise has ruffled some feathers. Some are the villains everyone loves to hate, while others are barely on anyone’s radar.
This list ranks all 30 NBA teams based on how many enemies they’ve made; whether it’s because of a superstar, a rivalry, a dirty play, or just general vibes. We’re talking grudges, beef, bitterness, and bruised egos. Let’s dive in and see who’s made the most enemies in the league.
30. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have made very few enemies simply because nobody really remembers being mad at them. They’ve mostly been hanging out in the league’s background, bothering no one.
29. Detroit Pistons
Once upon a time, the “Bad Boys” were public enemy number one, but that was decades ago. The modern Pistons are actually underdogs and easy to root for.
28. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have had flashes of feistiness, but they’ve never been good or chaotic enough to build up lasting animosity. Most people just forget they exist until they’re playing their team.
27. Orlando Magic
Orlando has produced some stars, but not much controversy. Even when they win, it’s hard to imagine anyone truly rooting against them.
26. Sacramento Kings
The Kings had beef with the Lakers in the early 2000s, but the grudge has cooled off since. They’re more lovable underdogs than enemies these days.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder
People were bitter about the move from Seattle, and the Harden trade still stings for some, but the current Thunder are young, exciting, and not hate-worthy… yet.
24. Minnesota Timberwolves
Aside from that Jimmy Butler practice debacle, the Timberwolves haven’t really picked many fights. They’ve mostly been dealing with their own issues.
23. LA Clippers
The Lob City era rubbed some folks the wrong way, but the Clippers have never consistently been good enough to sustain deep-rooted hate. Most of the noise comes from their cross-town rivalry.
22. New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis drama aside, the Pelicans are mostly an afterthought in league rivalries. They’re still waiting on a moment big enough to truly tick people off.
21. Utah Jazz
Between passionate home crowds and a couple of testy playoff matchups, the Jazz have stirred some tension. But they rarely stay in the spotlight long enough to make it last.
20. Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young alone probably bumped the Hawks up five spots. He’s made a few arenas hostile with his villain energy, and that New York series lives rent-free in fans’ heads.
19. Portland Trail Blazers
Dame Time ended more than a few playoff hopes, and his loyalty made it hard to dislike him — until it didn’t. Portland’s been lowkey petty in some beefs, and fans have noticed.
18. San Antonio Spurs
They were too boring to hate during their dynasty, but too good to ignore. If you lost to them in the playoffs during the 2000s, chances are you still carry that grudge.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant and the Grizzlies leaned all the way into villain mode for a stretch. A little trash talk, a few ejections, and suddenly everyone had Memphis circled on the calendar.
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron made them relevant, then ditched them twice. Depending on the era, the Cavs have been beloved, pitied, or deeply despised — often all at once.
15. Denver Nuggets
Success brings haters, and after winning their first title, Denver found themselves with a target. Jokic is beloved by some and infuriating to others, which lands them in the middle.
14. Brooklyn Nets
From moving cities to forming superteams that flamed out dramatically, the Nets have irritated more than a few fanbases. That Harden-Kyrie-KD era left scorched feelings everywhere.
13. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have swaggered their way into plenty of beefs in recent years. Whether it was Chris Paul in previous years, Devin Booker, or just general cockiness, they’ve made themselves easy to root against.
12. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis is widely loved, but the Bucks’ playoff antics and recent trash talk have built up some quiet resentment. Winning doesn’t make friends — it makes targets.
11. Toronto Raptors
The Kawhi title run bruised some egos, and their fans can get a little intense online. Add in some heated playoff matchups, and you’ve got a team that’s earned its enemies.
10. Indiana Pacers
Before this season, the Indiana Pacers would never have been this high. But, given the drama with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad and their shock playoff run, they definitely have a number of fans rooting against them.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Between the Luka trade and the weird energy that follows Kyrie Irving, the Mavs have climbed the villain ladder. They’re a team you either love or love to beat.
8. Chicago Bulls
The Jordan era did permanent damage to several franchises’ self-esteem. Even now, the Bulls carry an aura of smugness that some fans can’t stand.
7. New York Knicks
The Knicks are finally good after being average for ages, but their fanbase still talks like they’re always the gold standard. That arrogance alone breeds enemies league-wide.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
The Process annoyed people. Joel Embiid annoys people. Philly fans… really annoy people. It’s kind of their brand.
5. Houston Rockets
From the Harden iso-ball days to the short-lived Westbrook experiment, Houston managed to bother just about everyone. Now they’re rebuilding, but the memory lingers.
4. Miami Heat
Heat Culture gets under people’s skin. Add in a few Finals runs, some chest-pounding bravado, and Pat Riley’s smug grin — and you’ve got a long list of enemies.
3. Golden State Warriors
They turned into a dynasty and then turned into a meme. Between the winning, the superteam antics, and Draymond Green’s antics, people are still rooting for their downfall.
2. Boston Celtics
Historic franchise? Check. Arrogant attitude? Check. Fanbase that thinks every player on the roster deserves a statue? Double check.
Read More: 10 Sports Rivalries That Went on for Decades
1. Los Angeles Lakers
No team in the NBA has made more enemies than the Lakers. The constant media attention, star-chasing, and championship rings make them the ultimate love-to-hate franchise.
Read More: 15 NBA Teams That Let One Playoff Loss Define Their Era
