Fans descend on Staples Center in downtown LA after Lakers win championship
Fans gathered outside the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles after the Lakers took home their 17th NBA title.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of fans gathered outside the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the Lakers winning their 17th NBA championship Sunday, but some celebrations took a raucous turn as fans set off fireworks in the streets and cars performed "donuts."
Despite coronavirus restrictions and public health officials urging fans to celebrate from home, fans flooded the streets to celebrate the Lakers' 106-93 win over the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Finals.
Many who showed up were peaceful, but there were major intersections shut down due to crowds blocking off the area. Later in the night, LAPD went into tactical alert and declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.
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.
VIDEO: Fans set off fireworks, cars perform stunts in downtown L.A. after Lakers win title
Police and California Highway Patrol officers shut down ramps leading to the downtown area.
One person was transported with what appeared to be a fireworks-related injury.
Mayor Eric Garcetti discouraged public gatherings to celebrate the win, instead urging fans to cheer on the team from home.
"As we cheer our @Lakers' 17th championship, please remember it's still not safe to gather in groups," the mayor tweeted, in reference to the coronavirus pandemic.
The win comes months after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas.
Many Lakers fans who showed up chanted "Kobe" in honor of the basketball legend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
