Comment of the day: Not everyone loves a Lakers parade

From the L.A. Now blog's coverage of today's today's parade celebrating the Lakers' NBA Championship, reader Scott had harsh words for those that organized the event in the wake of the city's economic troubles:

"I'm sure all those city employees that are getting laid off are thrilled to see the city shell out a million dollars so that a bunch of millionaires and criminals could have a party!"

Editor's note: Although many readers took issue with the funding of the parade, it was actually paid for by private donors after several City Council members voiced opposition to funding it through tax dollars.

Photo: Laker fans celebrate along Figueroa Street during the victory parade in Los Angeles today.  Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

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...

Who should the Lakers start at small forward?

Phil Jackson's decision to start Luke Walton Wednesday night has sparked a small forward debate among Lakers blog readers. Walton started his 11th game for the Lakers this year on Wednesday, replacing Vlad Radmanovic, who had started the previous eight games and 28 of the Lakers' 41 games in total. Walton also started Thursday night against the Wizards. Trevor Ariza started one contest for the Lakers but is logging nearly 25 minutes per night, more than Radmanovic or Walton.

Numerous posters support the move to start Walton at the three.

Lakers World said:

This was a good game for Luke, regardless of past and present criticisms. Hopefully he can keep it up.

If one's got to guess why Phil put Luke in the starting line up it's because Phil's loyalty to veterans. It's not really that fair to blame a guy for being hurt and busting his butt off to get healthy. So, Phil, knowing a thing or two about honor, regardless of if he shows it, gave Luke an opportunity that he would most definitely have if not for his injuries. Plus, a built in veteran system that I'm assuming Phil's using, coupled with a measure for performance, makes it easier for everyone to understand things that are going on.

PsychedLakerGirl said:

I feel like VladRad is on the trading block. Say what you wish folks but at this point I think he is done as a Laker. The poor attitude, lack of defense and especially lack of staying within the triangle pretty much means insubordination and people get fired for that.

So, I think we have Luke as our starting forward along with a deep bench of LO, Ariza, Powell, Mbenga, Mihm and whoever they acquire. Luke plays the way PJ wants him to play and didn't complain when benched - he kept up his hard work at practice and showed good attitude. Vlad complained, was sour and the boss (coach/ego guy) doesn't like that. I see any trade would clearly be for a defensive piece at this position - it's our weakest or most instable/inconsistent area.

kobeblitz said:

Luke gives more passing inside for Pau/Bynum and even to Kobe. And no team can realistically defend 100% the inside. A great passing team will tear that defense apart. The Showtime Lakers would have served the Celtics of 2007-2008. Luke is okay on long distance shooting (not what LTLF says about him which I disagree on him about) and certainly not on par with Vlad Rad (when he is shooting well). But when Vlad Rad is shooting ice cold (like Sasha last night) what else could Vlad Rad do offensively? He may get into the hole but those times are rare.

A few others disagree with Jackson's decision and think the Lakers would be ...