While it's clear that LeBron James is one of the most beloved athletes in the history of sports, he's had his fair share of haters as well. And when we say fair share, that means millions.

In fact, in a recent online study using social media statistics, it was revealed that LeBron is the most hated player in the NBA today (via Washington Times).

The Sports Insider map reflected over 70,000 tweets, hashtags, and direct keyword phrases about disliking NBA players in each state—phrases like “I hate Player X” or “Player Y sucks.” According to that map, Mr. James was most hated in 24 states with only ex-teammate-turned-foil Kyrie Irving even coming close—the least-liked in 18 states.

There's a joke somewhere there that Irving finished behind LeBron.

But in all seriousness, this shouldn't really come as a total shocker. Greatness comes with a price. And for LeBron, it's the ceaseless criticisms. But it comes with the territory, and playing for a glamor team like the Los Angeles Lakers has only placed him under the microscope even more.

Last year, The King got a lot of heat for appearing to support China during the height of the democracy rallies in Hong Kong. More recently, he got crucified anew for seemingly quitting on the Lakers against the Phoenix Suns. LBJ has since talked about bouncing back next season, even referencing the movie Gladiator.

It has become apparent that no matter how great LeBron James is—even if he saves the world from real-life aliens or hand out free pizza for all of eternity—many will still vilify him. It's not necessarily fair, but in the grand schemata of sports, it seems nothing is.