LAPD to be out in force for Lakers-Celtics championship game [Updated]

Los Angeles police will be out in force Thursday for Game 7 of the NBA Finals to try to avoid a repeat of last year when fans outside Staples Center celebrated the Lakers' victory by damaging police cars, setting fires, looting nearby businesses and pelting officers with rocks and bottles.

LAPD officials will not say how many officers will be deployed. But those familiar with the department's planning strategies said the numbers would easily surpass those of 2009 and that officers would move quickly to target agitators bent on destroying property and committing other crimes.

A large contingent of officers also will be deployed along Crenshaw Boulevard in the Leimert Park area.

"It's my hope that whatever the outcome, people will celebrate responsibly, respectfully and lawfully," LAPD Asst. Chief Earl Paysinger said Wednesday.

Police said fans could expect a significant concentration of uniformed and undercover officers at Staples Center. They will move swiftly against any unlawful activity, from motor vehicle violations to illegal vending.

Should the Lakers clinch the NBA championship, tentative plans call for a parade Monday at 11 a.m. beginning at Staples Center and traveling south on Figueroa Boulevard to Jefferson Boulevard.

Early plans do not include a rally at the end of the parade, in contrast to last year when the Lakers appeared at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in front of an estimated crowd of 90,000 people.

The problems last year began after the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic in five games, notching their final victory on the road. That did not stop raucous fans from flooding into downtown L.A.

[For the record: An earlier version of this post said the Lakers swept the Orlando Magic in six games. The Lakers beat the Magic, 4 games to 1.]

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Melee after last year's NBA championship. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Geox]

Ain't no party like a Laker party!

[Astonished]

And who exactly is going to pay for that stupid parade! I thought the City was so out of money they had to lay off employees and raise fees and rates! Something stinks here!

[LL]

Yes I live downtown and its not fun when people from outside the hood come in and trash your home/businesses! Last year was pretty bad.

[Tim]

I hope I don't lose my pants like I did last year!

[Joseph]

Illegal aliens, can't afford to go to the game, but sure create a mess afterwards.

[J L R]

How could the lakers SWEEP the magic in 6 games? A sweep means you win the series without losing any games. Since the lakers won 4 and lost 2, they did NOT sweep.

[Mike]

Here's to hoping that the ghetto fans are stopped. They are an embarrassment to LA.

[probleman]

Thanks for telling us where the police will be at.
I'm sure the agitators will goto other areas and start a riot.

Go Lakers!!!

[Alex M]

Law enforcement is resp0nsible for handling the overly exuberant fans, thugs and low-life’s, many of whom become intoxicated and violent on such an occasion as the NBA Champion game. Criminals who loot, rob and steal are also of concern to us all. I am optimistic that the LAPD, L.A. County Sheriffs and other supporting law enforcement agencies will be responsive to our needs and concerns. Preparation and awareness are key elements in the planning process for such an event.

[Mike]

what about the Deputies, let themn take over, LAPD is a joke

[macho man]

it is their job, thats why they get paid the big bucks.

[FIST...]

Wooooo! Party!

[FIST...]

Woooooo! Party!

[Razor]

How is 6 games in a best of 7 series a sweep?

[LAPD is a friggin' JOKE]

Bring a video camera so you can DEFEND yourself against any bogus tickets they will write. They do it all the time, you'd might as well protect yourself so you have a chance with the judge.

[Mary L.]

Thugs play basketball...thugs watch basketball. Period.

[Miss I]

will someone, please, explain to me the rationale behind these post-Laker riots? who are these morons trying to impress? what are they trying to prove? or should i just accept the fact that they are worthless wastes of space and move on?

[n/a]

Laker party =getto party

[Emily]

To "sweep" a championship series, a team has to win every game they play. The Lakers did not; they lost one game to Orlando and won in five games, not six.

[carpo]

let the games begin!!! LAKERS BABY!!!!

[francisco]

give the police the right to shoot any person creating problems if not I hope Boston win.

[tallpatrick]

they should put an immagration checkpoint outside staples that control the crowd

[REALbarbwire7]

Why can't people just get happy and dance and act like fools, without destroying property? THIS IS OUR CITY!!!!!!!! I say pepper spray for the idiots who think it's okay to celebrate by way of destruction! It's B.S. Be happy if they win! Celebrate by getting drunk at a bar or party like everyone else. And if your team loses...well, deal with it. I guess they should have played better. And if you bet on it, then I guess you should have thought first; what if?

[Jones Burrow]

It's like Escape From New York. Don't forget about King Taco off of Alvarado

[Eduardo]

its ok the lakers wont be celebrating anything it will be boston doing all the celebrating