Lakers title celebrations go wrong with 76 fans arrested in LA for vandalism and assault

Los Angeles Police Department arrested 76 fans after Lakers' NBA title celebrations quickly turned into a chaotic mess on Sunday night. What started with over 1,000 people peacefully celebrating Lakers' Game 6 win over Miami Heat on Sunday night, quickly turned in a violent affair and several crowd members and police officers were injured in chaos. According to reports, more than 30 buildings and businesses were damd in downtown LA after a group of unruly fans invaded a peaceful celebration. 

Lakers celebration turns violent; 76 fans arrested by LAPD

"What started out as a largely peaceful celebration of Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship in downtown Los Angeles, turned into confrontational, violent and destructive behaviour late last night," LAPD said in a statement issued on Monday. "A crowd of more than 1,000 revellers descended into area around Staples Center after game. Unruly individuals mixed within crowd began throwing glass bottles, rocks and or projectiles at officers."

Online videos showed people performing stunts with ir cars while fireworks were set off in or parts of streets.  invasion from boisterous group of Lakers fans meant authorities were forced to declare mass garing as an "unlawful assembly" and forcefully try to disperse crowd. police officers resorted to beanbag bullets to disperse crowd. Meanwhile, or officers on horseback worked to move crowd away from Staples Center. 

Also Read | Lakers Celebration: Fan Celebrates NBA Championship On Streets Of Los Angeles In An Actual Bubble​​​​​​

LAPD ted that after police interference, garing broke in small portions and started vandalising businesses, continuing with violent behaviour.  LAPD report states that 76 people were arrested on various charges including failure to disperse, vandalism and assault on a police officer.

Also Read | Vanessa Bryant Remembers Kobe And Gianna As Lakers Win 2020 NBA Championship

Earlier on Sunday, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged fans to avoid getting on streets to celebrate Lakers' NBA championship. Mayor Garcetti sent a tweet on Monday night stating vandalism and attacking police officers during celebrations will t be tolerated.

Lakers beat  Miami Heat 106-93 on Sunday night to win NBA Finals in six games. win secured Lakers' first championship since 2010 and put m on level terms with Boston Celtics as teams to have won most championships (17). LeBron James was unanimously voted as NBA Finals MVP as he led Lakers from front with some impressive performances. He capped off his season with a 28-point triple-double - his first of 2020 NBA Finals. 

Also Read | Fans, Some Rowdy, Cheer Lakers Win Outside Staples Center

Also Read | LeBron James, Lakers Celebrate NBA Title Win With Isiah Thomas’ Champagne; MJ Fans Angered

(Im Credits: AP)