” Los Angeles really required this. Its been a rollercoaster for everybody around the globe,” Lakers fan Gregory Paul said.
CBS L.A. says police reacted with “beanbag” rounds and rubber bullets in an effort to get the crowd to disperse.
There was no word on whether any arrests were made.
Earlier, lots of fans informed CBS L.A. that with all the obstacles 2020 has brought– including COVID-19-linked deaths, task losses and other struggles– this was the perfect method to kick off the upcoming week.
Rejoicing Los Angeles Lakers fans loaded the streets surrounding the Staples Center in L.A. Sunday night to celebrate the Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Finals, however the lively though peaceful scene turned rowdy, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The Staples Center is the Lakers home arena however the video game was played in the “bubble” in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, set up by the NBA protect players and league workers from the coronavirus.
Mayor Eric Garcetti, who had actually been cheering the team on, warned Angelenos versus event during the coronavirus pandemic, but crowds convened anyhow.
” As we cheer our Lakers 17th championship, please remember its still not safe to collect in groups,” Garcetti tweeted. Do not collect at Staples.
His pleas went unheeded.
A group of fans set off fireworks, which are unlawful in unincorporated locations of L.A. County without an authorization, and vehicles were seen doing “donuts.”.
RINGO CHIU/ REUTERS.
And what started as celebratory dissolved into confrontations between fans and law enforcement, who fired non-lethal projectiles. SWAT team members were among those who reacted to the growing crowd.
Garcetti told KCAL9 in a phone interview that the California Highway Patrol closed highway exits in downtown L.A. to dissuade large gatherings, but what appeared to be countless people had actually currently crowded the streets. KCAL stated bottles and rocks were thrown at officers.
” As we cheer our Lakers 17th championship, please remember its still not safe to gather in groups,” Garcetti tweeted. “Lets honor our citys accomplishment by securing others and making sure we dont spread out the virus. Please celebrate securely at home. Do not gather at Staples.
RINGO CHIU/ REUTERS.
Authorities try to control crowd on the street outside the Staples Center as Los Angeles Lakers fans commemorate their group winning the 2020 NBA Championship versus Miami Heat, during the break out of the coronavirus pandemic, on October 11, 2020.
People leave as cops attempt to manage a crowd on the street outside the Staples Center as Los Angeles Lakers fans commemorate their group winning the 2020 NBA Championship against Miami Heat on October 11, 2020.
