LA Lakers fans chant ‘Kobe’ in streets after NBA championship win before dozens arrested for vandalism
The Lakers victory tied the team with the Boston Celtics for most NBA championships
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Jubilant Lakers fans took to the streets last night to chant Kobe Bryant's name after their side defeated Miami Heat and clinched a record-tying 17th NBA Championship.
Hundreds of elated fans flooded the streets surrounding the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles after the Lakers sealed the best-of-seven title series 4-2, restoring the world-famous franchise to the top of the basketball world.
Fans chanted the name of five-time NBA champion and Lakers legend Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January along with this 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people.
However as the night progressed, celebrations turned violent and multiple businesses were vandalized in the downtown area. More than 75 people were arrested, according to CBS.
Regarded as one of the all-time basketball greats, Bryant spent his entire career at the Lakers and played a pivotal role in their last championship win back in 2010.
Following Sunday night's 106-93 victory over Miami, current Laker’s players paid tribute to Bryant, who won 15 all-star awards during an illustrious career spanning two decades.
"Kobe, I know he's looking down on us super proud," said Lakers forward Anthony Davis. "We miss him, and this is definitely for him."
The Lakers victory tied them with the Boston Celtics for most NBA championships and capped an unprecedented season that resumed in July at a spectator-free campus at Disney World in Florida after a four-month Covid-19 shutdown.
Finals MVP LeBron James led the way for the Lakers, scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while spearheading a defensive masterclass that doused the Heat’s offense.
“It means a lot to represent this franchise,” said James, who joined the team in the summer of 2018 after they had missed the playoffs five seasons in a row.
“I told (Lakers president) Jeanie (Buss) when I came here that I was going to put this franchise back in the position where it belongs.
“We just want our respect. Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect, coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect, our organization wants its respect, Lakers nation wants its respect,” he said.
“And I want my damn respect too.”
The Lakers also got a key contribution from Rajon Rondo as the veteran point guard delivered an early offensive burst that helped them to a 28-point halftime lead and the Heat never threatened again.
The championship win ends a more than 90-day stay for the Lakers inside the NBA’s bio-secure bubble.
Reuters contributed to this report
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