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LeBron James, Cavs Fans Nominated For The Fandom 250

By Quenton S. Albertie

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebratew with the Larry O
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebratew with the Larry O /
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LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers fan bases have been nominated for the FanSided’s Fandom 250.

FanSided is rolling out the top 250 fanbases in the world this month, whether those fanbases are for sports, celebrities or a pop culture phenomenon. We’ll be unveiling the whole list 10 at a time, with the official rankings being released on December 6th. On the list are fan bases of both LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors headline the list as current NBA powerhouses. Meanwhile, teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers with also made it into the discussion.

Could the latter teams rank higher than the Warriors and Cavaliers?

While some would say the best NBA history was born in the superstars acquired the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors franchise had icons like Wilt Chamberlain (most points scored in a game), Jerry West (literally “The Icon” on the NBA shield) and Don Nelson (the godfather of “small-ball”).

The Cleveland Cavaliers might not have that, but they do have a player that will go down as one of the two greatest players in NBA history. Who knows, his signature tomahawk slam might be the new icon of the NBA shield one day.

The Cavs fans base has been loyal to the Cavs franchise even when James left to play for Miami. They’ve showered once villainized players like James and J.R. Smith with love. The city has fully gathered behind the Cleveland Cavaliers especially after their recent win over the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Now, remember, the Cavs fan base isn’t just against fan bases from other teams. As of today, the nominees for the musicians are the fan bases of country stars like Blake Shelton and Garth Brooks. However, some may find Carrie Underwood’s fan base to be bigger than either Shelton or Brooks. Pop icons Katy Perry and Taylor Swift would undoubtedly be ranked higher than some sports teams.

Maybe even the Golden State Warriors.

But the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers? I doubt it. Although the fan cults of Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant could give them a run for their money. Or that of the late, great Muhammad Ali.

Still, James and the Cavs delivered a meaningful moment to the Cleveland. If the parade numbers from the Cavs triumph in the 2016 NBA Finals says it’s anything, it’s that the Cavs could bring a million people to Cleveland, Ohio out of sheer love for their team and James.

As of November 10 this is the full list of nominees:

  • Garth Brooks
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Blake Shelton
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Boston Celtics
  • New York Knicks
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Katy Perry
  • Taylor Swift
  • US Women’s Soccer
  • US Women’s Gymnastics
  • Stephen Curry
  • Michael Jordan
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Michael Phelps
  • Usain Bolt
  • Kobe Bryant
  • LeBron James
  • Serena Williams

For more information on the Fandom 205, stayed tuned to FanSided for the rest of the list as it is unveiled over the course of November. The full list of rankings, crowning the best Fandom in the world, will be revealed on December 6th.

Related Story: LeBron James Transforming Cleveland Into A Major Market

Where do you think the fan bases of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be ranked? Let us know in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.