Proposed $2-million Lakers parade draws controversy

Sunday night's Lakers victory was well received in a city that hasn't had much to celebrate as of late.  Even though Game 5 was held in Orlando, millions of Lakers fans gathered at homes and bars to watch the game unfold on television. After the buzzer sounded, crowds poured into the streets as Lakers fans from across Los Angeles came together in a grand display of pride and unity that quickly devolved into destructive rioting.

After setting a few police cars on fire and doing a bit of looting, the crowds dispersed and the revelers went home.     

The rioting, which caused significant monetary damage, has had quite an effect on the growing debate over Wednesday's proposed $2-million Laker parade. Many feel that the parade -- for which the city would pay half -- is inappropriate at a time when the city is struggling to resolve severe budget shortfalls.  Sunday night's rioting only added to the list of concerns held by many Los Angeles residents. 

"The Lakes deserve every recognition winning the championship. However, in these difficult times for the city and Laker fans, a parade/rally is insensitive and hurtful; I'll send the organization an e-card instead. If the city can afford a parade, the taxpayers of Los Angeles are then obviously being lied to by civic leaders regarding a fiscal crisis," said ELizabeth.

"Does that fee include the cost to clean up after all these hoodlums who have already rioted and caused damage throughout the city, including injuries to eight police officers? Huge huge HUGE waste of money," added MB.

More after the jump...

"What a JOKE! No money for the schools here in California, but the city to pay for $1 million of the parade cost? They just canceled summer school for the kids that really need it, but hey we sure do need a parade. And oh yeah don't give the youths in Los Angeles a chance for an education, so give them another reason to go out in the streets and riot," wrote Diamond.

Yet, some readers argued that the Lakers' economic and social contributions far outweighed the parade's $1-million cost to the city.

"People forget how much money the Lakers generate in revenue for the city in terms of property tax, sales tax, parking tax, etc... A parade will cost a lot but also generate sales for local shops, vendors, etc... It also builds a feeling of goodwill and community for the entire city. That is priceless," said Terence.

"Does anyone know how much the Lakers bring into the city in terms of tax money and such intangibles as civic pride? Why do people always think of money upfront and never realize the true value of an organization like the Lakers to the city of L.A.?" wrote Mo.

What do you think?  Is a Lakers parade worth the cost?  Or would the $1 million be better spent elsewhere?

-- Brendan Bigelow

Top photo: A defaced Lebron James jersey lies among burned debris left in the wake of the unruly mob at Staples Center. Middle photo: Lakers fans rejoice outside Staples Center after the team captured its 15th NBA championship. Photo credits: Jake Stevens/ Los Angeles Times

Comments

[CORONA24]

The Lakers are role models for many kids here in L.A. So why not have a parade to show thier accomplishments. It shows how hard work and dedication pays off.

[Michelle]

A Laker's victory parade is great idea. Let's reward all the idiots who damaged city property and harmed our police with a parade the city can't afford in the first place. Who is making these decisions anyway? Unbelievable.

[yankeecremoso]

Shouldn't the city be a little more worried about the massive debt california has created... than with a parade?.... Man good thing it will take another 7 years to capture another ring!

Cause hey that's what we need to hell with education and bring on the party!

[lahoopsfan]

Thanks so much to Lakers for paying half of $2 mil parade.

Charge admission. Thousands will still go.

Rioting and looting is ruining political backing for parade. Next year maybe we should ready the Coliseum for controlled Finals end celebration. How else can we stop these thugs?

[Darren]

It's a pretty typical fact of life, big business and corporate welfare called subsidies: this time in the form of a nice parade. Sure the Lakers contribute a lot to the city in tax revenue. I am sure they receive extra police and traffic help also.
Let us not forget Jerry Buss was a big contributor to YES on one of the recent props. He wants you to taxed to death but don't put any taxes on his $200 Laker ticks---probably the cheap seats.

[Cindy:)]

well even though summer school has been cut off the LAKERS deserve their parade. they been wanting this championship since the beginning of 2003. even though so much money will be wasted it will bring in alot of pride.
GO LAKERS:)

[Tina]

R u stupid? Let's take all of the money that we waste on all the already rich people and feed the hungry!!!! If the lakers want a parade why don't they pay foe it?

[Tina]

give me a break. These overpayed athletes should pay for it. Let's take some of this needless money and feed the hungry!!!!

[asdf]

frivolous spending = debt

this parade seems like an impulse plan, not well thought out beforehand

anyway, this reminds me of Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust, written in the 1930s, where in the end there's a riot.

[JOSE LUIS REVILLA ESCUDERO]

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Does anyone know that the main owner of the USA is CHINA ?

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Jose Luis Revilla Escudero
Chairman&CEO
WWShares, Inc
-Global Wealth Management-
www.worldwideshares.blogspot.com