After a line of Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived on foot and in their vehicles, some fans threw glass bottles, rocks, and objects at them, police said.
That drew out officers in riot gear, who dispersed the crowd with less-lethal projectiles.
“A larger portion of the group broke off and began vandalizing businesses while continuing to engage in violent behavior, some aimed at responding officers,” police said in their statement.
Suspects were arrested on suspicion of various charges, including vandalism, assault on a police officer and failure to disperse.
Police on horseback move people back as rowdy fans celebrate, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles, after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals to win the championship. (AP Photo/Jintak Han)
Los Angeles police officers attempt to disperse rowdy fans in the street, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles, after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals to win the championship. (AP Photo/Jintak Han)
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Police on horseback move people back as rowdy fans celebrate, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles, after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals to win the championship. (AP Photo/Jintak Han)
Los Angeles Police Department officers on horseback move people back as rowdy fans celebrate, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Los Angeles, after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat in Game 6 of basketball’s NBA Finals to win the championship. (AP Photo/Jintak Han)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate at Benihibachi near Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Lakers fans celebrate outside of Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Randolph Lopez and fellow Lakers fans celebrate at Benihibachi near Staples Center on Sunday, October 11, 2020.
(Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
At least two fans were injured by the less-lethal projectiles and taken to nearby hospitals. LAPD said at least eight officers were treated for injuries.
Police said more than 30 buildings and a Metro bus were damaged during the celebration and riot.
The crowd arrived at Staples Center despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
City officials attempted to get people to stay away from the area, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or to at least wear masks if they chose to show up and mingle in large crowds.
“Please celebrate safely at home,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Twitter. “Do not gather at Staples Center.
“It’s still not safe to gather in groups,” the mayor said.
There have been more than 282,000 positive cases of coronavirus in L.A. County alone. At least 6,771 people have died in the county from the illness.
“Let’s honor our city’s triumph by protecting others and making sure we don’t spread the virus,” Garcetti said.
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