NBA fans poured out onto the streets of Los Angeles, celebrating the Lakers’ title win on Sunday, with some targeting police officers by throwing beer bottles and other projectiles at them.
“Once again, after the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA finals, riots fill the streets outside the Staples Center. The mob started as a few intoxicated and rowdy Lakers fans began throwing beer bottles and other ‘projectiles’ at uniformed police officers that swarmed the arena,” the Bleacher Report said.
A local ABC affiliate also reported that among the thousands of fans on the street, there were instances of people throwing rocks and bottles at officers.
“Cars were seen performing ‘donuts’ and ‘burnouts,’ some cars were swarmed by fans in the streets. Multiple fireworks were set off and there were isolated reports of small groups throwing rocks and bottles at police,” the outlet reported.
The Los Angeles Police Department tweeted that despite the celebrations starting out peacefully, they soon “turned into confrontational, violent & destructive behavior.”
At least eight officers were injured after the win, and 76 people were arrested. Officers also declared the throng of people an unlawful assembly.
Last night’s largely peaceful celebration in Downtown LA of the Lakers championship turned into confrontational, violent & destructive behavior.
Latest details:
76 arrested
30+ buildings damaged
8 officers injured
2 injured by less lethal munitions fired by our officers pic.twitter.com/BZ2nYWHz3c
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) October 12, 2020
The fans were also seen flouting coronavirus rules in the state, including not wearing face masks or social distancing from others.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned ahead of the game that fans should celebrate from home not to spread the coronavirus.
“We’re gonna have to celebrate where we are,” Garcetti said. “I’m asking Angelenos to make sure all the progress we have made in our fight against COVID-19 isn’t reversed from one night of celebration.”
“I encourage you to yell at the top of your lungs inside your homes, maybe even open up the window or step outside your door,” Garcetti said. “Let’s thank the Lakers when they win, but let’s do it safe.”
Outside of Staples Center. Police are directing fans to stay on the sidewalk: https://t.co/OeCnE0pNql pic.twitter.com/5pysM9mRRn
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) October 12, 2020
The Lakers’ win came after ratings for the finals dropped severely compared with data from 2019, with many saying it’s due to the league’s social justice campaign.
Game 5 of the finals garnered 5.7 million total viewers on ABC, the Daily Caller reported. In 2019, Game 5 saw 18.22 million viewers. Additionally, 7.41 million people watched Game 1, an average of 4.5 million viewers tuned in for Game 2, and an average of 4.395 million viewers for Game 3.
“A ship doesn’t sink for one reason, but undoubtedly, politics sit atop the historical tank,” OutKick reported when detailing the stats from Game 2. “After nearly two decades of reinventing the NBA discussion, LeBron is now a detriment to the league’s brand.”
