Why are people's picks so influenced by LCS?

Because they hear "The pros did it!" and rather than thinking through why the pros did it, lots of people just seem to think that plugging what pros do into their strategies is foolproof.

Despite how incredibly poorly that tends to work out.

Because people are dumb sheep? And some just want to try unusual ideas like that but only get the chance when a pro pulls it out. For months and months, picking Urgot would get you flamed and reported by your own team. Then a pro player picked him and now Urgot is accepted. If you like Urgot, congrats... now you won't be harassed for picking him. Down side is, now everyone will call you a sheep for picking him and there's a fair chance that champ you like gets nerfed.

one word: sheeple

nope, that's it.

ppl think that if it's in the LCS then it must be the new OP so they gotta play it while it's hot before it's not "good" anymore or else they won't get those free wins.

Of course, then you have the minority of smart ppl that said this was good, but didn't have the backbone to play it themselves till someone else respectable does it first.

ppl love authority figures, whether they are conscious of it or not. That's why no one will accept the ideas of a low elo player regardless of how smart they are simply because that low elo player has no inherent authority.

I tend to be influence by LCS picks, But I try to figure out why they're good first.

E.X. LCS picks Lisandra, Why is she being picked up? what does she do for the team? Answer, Her lock down gives her good gank assist in the laning phase, she can also march in with her E, W, and then use her Ult, to hold the enemy team in place. while being invulnerable herself. (or Zonya's if her ult is down.)

Why is Herceram picked? Answer, Teleport ganks, can easily return to lane with Homeguard rush. Also one of the few champions who does not require flash.

If you know why these are good picks, then their should be no problem trying them out. Picking up Shyvana top with smite Just because the pros did it, That's not going to end well.

People watch LCS? Since when? Why would you watch people play the game that you could play? Unless it has good commentary (It doesn't) then why watch it? I honestly make up stuff (Sejuani support, Akali top, Maokai+smite support)

I'll give them some credit for pulling something from the LPL. That's too obscure for most people.

Because they saw "pros" do it so they think they can pull it off too.