2020 has been a rough year for all sports teams, but a team that was hit especially hard was the Lakers as they lost a legend – Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s tragic death set the melancholy tone for 2020 as fans all over the world were in mourning.
After Bryant passed away, the corona virus struck and the world was forced to shut down – postponing the NBA. Luckily, NBA players were able to return to the court but with several strict restrictions to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.
For the past week, Angelinos have been on the edges of their seats as they watched the Lakers take on Miami Heat to fight for the championship title. Though the Lakers have been NBA Champions 17 times, this particular title was significant to everyone in the Laker community because they hoped to honor the legacy of Kobe Bryant.
With the virus still a major risk, the Lakers celebrated this epic win with no live fans in the stands jumping and cheering, but many did not think this was the right way to celebrate a momentous victory.
After their 106-93 win in Game 6, thousands of fans swarmed to Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles dressed in their Laker gear – just as they did when they mourned for Kobe – for a more joyous occasion to celebrate the victory for Bryant’s successors.
Live look at downtown LA: pic.twitter.com/5cjX8PKJ3D
— ContentNBA (@ContentNBA) October 12, 2020
Ecstatic Laker Fans Celebrate Their Victory
Throughout Downtown Los Angeles, Kobe chants can be heard throughout the city.
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"KOBE" chants in downtown LA ????
(via @AO619)pic.twitter.com/jLEfXw7KFs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 12, 2020
Fans say “this one’s for #Kobe” and chant his name near #StaplesCenter #LakersWin @nbcla pic.twitter.com/I3m690aIdV
— Darsha Philips (@DarshaPhilips) October 12, 2020
As a tribute to Bryant and the Lakers, Los Angeles was lit in purple, including City Hall.
???????? DTLA bathed in #Lakers purple and gold following the team’s 17th championship victory. #Air7HD @ABC7 #LosAngeles #lakersnation #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/sTWrZrBjwk
— Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) October 12, 2020
There’s no denying it –– this has been a hard year.
This championship win means so much to our city and the people who call it home.
Thank you @Lakers for bringing us together. We’re lighting the night in purple and gold to celebrate. #ForKobe pic.twitter.com/emLqrH0itO
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) October 12, 2020
Celebrations Get a Bit Chaotic
Because Los Angeles still prohibits large gatherings, the LA City Public Health gave some suggestions on how to safely celebrate the Lakers win from home.
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Ahead of tonight's big game, here's how you can root for the #LakeShow as safely as possible as they chase the NBA Title. #GoLakers #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/fdR9VLwd0B
— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) October 9, 2020
But many ignored these suggestions and put themselves at risk by gathering with thousands to celebrate.
However, as the night continued, the celebrations got a bit more rowdy and reckless as fans were seen climbing streetlights and lighting fireworks.
Downtown LA goin crazy ???????????? really got foos jumpin of streetlights pic.twitter.com/NrQgBBF4Wm
— Josiah Mulitauopele (@josiahmuli_) October 12, 2020
Downtown LA really going up rn!! pic.twitter.com/J8Msk6UB5u
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 12, 2020
And it got even more chaotic when one super fan was seen doing donuts in the middle of a crowd.
Downtown LA is wild!! Go Lakers! pic.twitter.com/0ntPweeP6W
— Jason Ano (@jayrocko) October 12, 2020
One Twitter user shared an aggressive physical fight involving a group of energized fans..
LAPD declares unlawful assembly near Staples Center as massive crowd celebrates #LakersWin. LAPD tells @knx1070 they have not used pepper balls, gas, to try and disperse crowd. At least one fight has broken out. People are injured. Video used with permission from IG @buffalo_baff pic.twitter.com/2L7RYza1Xk
— Emily Valdez, KNX News Reporter (@EmilyValdezKNX) October 12, 2020
Some people defeated the purpose of this event by utilizing the festivity as an opportunity to vandalize businesses and even a Metro bus.
A huge Lakers celebration ended in looting and vandalism after last night’s NBA Championship win. 76 people arrested by LAPD and 30+ buildings were damaged. @GDLA @FOXLA #Lakers pic.twitter.com/Z1Q6gM3M5t
— Mario Ramirez (@MarioFOXLA) October 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/rise_images/status/1315548223474339842?s=10
https://twitter.com/rise_images/status/1315579051029880833?s=10
Law Enforcement Gets Involved
When LAPD arrived to maintain order and keep Angelinos safe, they were greeted with glass bottles, rocks, and other projectiles. Because people became chaotic and violent, LAPD was forced to disperse the crowd with rubber bullets and tear gas leading 76 people to be arrested.
Breaking: Lakers fans are clashing with the LAPD outside Staples Center as police are forcing fans to disperse following the Lakers championship win. pic.twitter.com/voV0rFv2O2
— PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) October 12, 2020
Teargas & rubber bullets coming out pic.twitter.com/cpZ1DB1n8C
— Uncle JAV???????????? (@Jdonovan_10) October 12, 2020
Police aimed at me. Less lethal round literally hits my phone out of my hands (credit to apple, it kept recording) pic.twitter.com/TguhhlZXs7
— Samuel Braslow (@SamBraslow) October 12, 2020
On Twitter, many are expressing their anger towards LAPD as they believed they used unnecessary excessive force on Laker fans.
LAPD celebrating with some unnecessary police brutality. How very on brand of them. https://t.co/e304SzUYOu
— Noah Fence (@MzCandice_B) October 12, 2020
LAPD is taking much more aggressive actions to shut the celebrating down. Mounted police and officers in riot gear are fanning out along Figueroa @CBSLA @ChrisVHolmstrom @SaraDonchey pic.twitter.com/3OppZhtAhv
— Desmond Shaw (@RoadSageLA) October 12, 2020
Twitter Users are Frustrated with Los Angeles Mayor
To encourage people to stay safe, Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted that people should stay home and reminded them that it is still not safe to gather in large groups.
As we cheer our @Lakers’ 17th championship, please remember it's still not safe to gather in groups. Let’s honor our city's triumph by protecting others and making sure we don't spread the virus.
Please celebrate safely at home. Do not gather at Staples Center. Thank you!
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) October 12, 2020
However, many are critical of Mayor Garcetti’s tweets as they argued that he previously allowed Black Lives Matter protests, but will not allow them to celebrate a joyous occasion like the Lakers winning the championship.
So you tell folks to stay home and not celebrate the one uplifting moment we've had in the 8 months of lockdown hell you and Newsom ordered, BUT it's okay for thousands to march in protests? Can you spell hypocrite? Look in the mirror and you'll see one.
— debbie lynn elias (@moviesharkd) October 12, 2020
Others are siding with Mayor Garcetti and urging people to wear masks and social distance.
If you do decide to go out, wear a mask. These players were in a bubble for months, the least y'all can do is stay home or wear a mask…just wear a mask.
— #Medicare4All (@allonsy_xoch) October 12, 2020
However, the massive Lakers’ celebration is igniting Angelinos to demand Mayor Garcetti to lift the COVID-19 restrictions in Los Angeles.
Just open us back up and if we want to risk it LET US CHOOSE TO RISK IT!
— GoHomeRoger???? (@pinkcokecaine) October 12, 2020
It's a protest. Everyone, proceed. No masks needed
— Demario ™ (@Demario__) October 12, 2020
“Celebrations” are going to be worse tonight BECAUSE people have been staying home. Most are tired of it. They’ll take their chances.
— ib505a (@ib505a) October 12, 2020
What are your thoughts on the way Laker fans celebrated their championship title? Was Kobe’s legacy rightfully honored?
