Swathes of Los Angeles Lakers fans packed downtown streets Sunday night following the team’s victory in the 2020 NBA Finals, raising concerns from officials that people would be at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Staples Center was the epicenter of the gathering with loudly cheering crowds waving flags as well as celebratory horn honks.
“KOBE. KOBE. KOBE.”
STAPLES Center is the place to be rn. pic.twitter.com/BCRHxMHgDy
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 12, 2020
In response to the victory, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took to Twitter to remind Lakers fans that while celebrating is totally acceptable, gathering in a large crowd is still unsafe. He encouraged Los Angeles Lakers’ fans to “celebrate safely at home.
As we cheer our @Lakers’ 17th championship, please remember it’s still not safe to gather in groups. Let’s honor our city’s triumph by protecting others and making sure we don’t spread the virus.
Please celebrate safely at home. Do not gather at Staples Center. Thank you!
