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Lakers fans celebrate in downtown Los Angeles despite COVID-19 warnings after NBA Finals win
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The Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a dominant win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night to close out their series with the Miami Heat and win their 17th championship.
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And even though they were asked not to because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakers fans celebrated accordingly in Los Angeles.
Lakers fans take to streets around Staples Center
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has repeatedly asked fans not to gather downtown or near the Staples Center — which was severely restricted — due to the pandemic.
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!— MayorOfLA (@MayorOfLA) October 12, 2020
Still, Lakers fans took to the streets to celebrate their first title in a decade. Many, of course, honored Kobe Bryant — who, along with his daughter Gianna and five others, died in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles in January.
Did it for the MAMBA🐍 — downtown LA is going off! pic.twitter.com/Dj3YNWuT8V
— A. O. (@AO619) October 12, 2020
Fans have gotten on top of construction platforms, one of them waving a Kobe Bryant “MVP” flag. pic.twitter.com/ifoyCZbDBb
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) October 12, 2020
Staples Center @USATODAY @usatodaysports pic.twitter.com/4oO115ycNK
— Harrison (@Harrisonhill__) October 12, 2020
Fans still on Figueroa Street, now lighting fireworks pic.twitter.com/Kod2SVwAeC
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) October 12, 2020
At least one Lakers fan, however, took an extra — unusual — precaution to celebrate in public.
There’s a person celebrating the Lakers win in a bubble pic.twitter.com/mH8lPP12ch
— dhm (@dhm) October 12, 2020
The Lakers will undoubtedly hold a traditional title celebration soon. When or how they do so amid the pandemic, though, remains to be seen.
Until then, Lakers president Jeanie Buss will be waiting.
“I look forward to celebrating with you. Until then, I will bring back the trophy to Los Angeles, where it belongs.” - @JeanieBuss pic.twitter.com/BWu0Jns4Eb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 12, 2020
“Laker Nation, when it’s safe, I look forward to celebrating with you,” Buss said on the court after the win. “Until then, I will bring back the trophy to Los Angeles where it belongs.”
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