LOS ANGELES. — More than 100,000 joyous Lakers fans filled
the streets of downtown Los Angeles and jammed the Memorial Coliseum on
Wednesday for a parade marking the team’s 15th NBA championship.
The Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the
NBA finals in Florida on Sunday to clinch the best-of-seven series and take the
title for the first time since winning three in a row from 2000-02.
Wednesday’s celebrations began at the team’s Staples Center
home and proceeded slowly along a two-mile route to the Coliseum.
The stadium was packed to its 93,000 capacity as the Lakers
faithful made up a sea of purple and gold.
"We feel this championship. We feel the energy of the city,"
All-Star guard Kobe Bryant told the fans.
"We want to do this thing again and again so you know we’ll
be back next year ready to go."
Fan-favorite Bryant, the Most Valuable Player of the finals
who could opt out of his contract and become a free agent, also drew a roar of
approval by confirming he would return to the team.
"Where would I go?" he said with a broad smile. "This is my
home."
Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who earned a record 10th title,
thanked the fans for turning out in such numbers.
"We are humbled by your devotion and appreciation for us,"
he said.
On their way to the Coliseum party the Lakers passed through
the streets of Los Angeles on purple and gold double-decker buses, escorted by
police on motorcycles.
Workers in nearby office towers left their buildings for the
celebration.
"We feel redeemed. We are champions at heart, regardless of
who comes and goes on the team," said 36-year-old fan Richard Franco, who
arrived on his bicycle.
