LOS ANGELES — Looting and vandalism that broke out in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA championship won’t keep the city from celebrating the team’s victory: City officials and the Lakers are planning a victory parade they hope will overshadow unrest the police chief blames on a mob of “knuckleheads.”
Police were reviewing security video and media images Monday to identify suspects who caused damage downtown Sunday night.
Police Chief William Bratton said many known gang members were in the crowd.
“These knuckleheads seem to really relish their opportunity in the dark,” Bratton said.
A parade was being planned for Wednesday. City officials met Monday to plan for security along the parade route and a rally to be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed the team and the city will kick in about $1 million apiece for the party. Citing the city’s financial crisis, unions representing police, traffic officers, street and sanitation workers demanded the Lakers or other private groups pay for it.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told KTLA-TV he has already raised several hundred thousand dollars from private donators and the city “will not put in a million dollars” for the event.
Trouble erupted Sunday night in the area around the Staples Center, the Lakers’ arena, even though the team won its 15th NBA title in Florida, defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game 5 of the Finals.
Street celebrations that began peacefully turned ugly. Fires were set, objects were thrown at police officers, several businesses were looted, and buses, police cars and other vehicles were vandalized.
Eight police officers were injured and 18 people were arrested Sunday night.
