LOS ANGELES — More than 95,000 people waited for hours, dealt with continual road closures and tackled a parking situation that made Long Beach State’s seem pathetic. Not to mention there were probably many strained vocal chords from constant screaming for their team.
But it was probably worthwhile for many because they were able to see the 2009 Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship team for the final time this season.
“I loved it,” LBSU student Jolene Samson said. “It was the first time actually going to a [Lakers’] parade. We left Long Beach at like 6:30 [a.m.] and got here at like 7:30. I loved it and I was screaming, I almost lost my voice.”
The Lakers arrived at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday with an electrifying crowd cheering and yelling everything from “MVP” for Kobe Bryant to “One more year!” for head coach Phil Jackson, who is mulling over retirement.
Players and coaches alike addressed the crowd and rallied the fans by jumping around the stage and holding up the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson each were acknowledged by the fans, which gave the “Showtime”-duo a thunderous ovation, moments before the 2009 championship squad was introduced. Both players won multiple titles with the Lakers in the ‘80s.
An hour earlier, the team started at the Staples Center and made its way on a double-decker bus down a packed Figueroa Street to the Coliseum.
The Lakers held their post-championship celebration for the first time in the Coliseum’s history and their first celebration since 2002.
It was also the 15th time the franchise has been able to celebrate an NBA title, which the Lakers won in five games over the Orlando Magic.
The Staples Center court where the team played all season was fully assembled on a stage in what would be the end zone of a USC football game.
Laker fan Johnny Navarrette couldn’t have been happier to be at the event.
“It was phenomenal,” he said. “A few years ago I wasn’t able to go because I was younger, but this year it was an amazing experience.”
“Being with all the Laker fans [was so memorable],” Navarrette added. “It’s rare that you get to see all these Laker fans in one spot, so when you get it like this it’s a pretty amazing experience.”
Some people weren’t able to get into the Coliseum, however, and ended up missing the parade.
“I think it’s crazy,” parade attendee Cynthia Rivas said. “I wasn’t able to get in [to the Coliseum and I’ve been here] for like four or five hours.”
The NBA Finals victory gave Lakers head coach Phil Jackson his NBA-record 10th title and Kobe Bryant his fourth — a championship that many view as validating his illustrious career.
The celebration and parade came days after debate about whether or not The City of Los Angeles should cover the estimated $2-million cost. It is reported that private donors covered the cost.
Good thing the donors decided to pitch in. Because even though people may have to drink hot tea today to soothe their ailing throats or refill their gas tanks because of massive traffic jams they got stuck in, majority consensus is probably that the day was well worth it.