Will there be a Los Angeles Lakers victory parade? Here is how Covid-19 pandemic has impacted celebrations
The Los Angeles Lakers, for the first time since Kobe Bryant’s fifth and final title a decade ago, became NBA champions with LeBron James scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. The Lakers beat the Miami Heat 106-93 to win the NBA finals in six games while James was named Finals MVP for the fourth time. The 35-year-old superstar averaged 29.8 points, with 59% on shooting, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists across the series.
However, the question on everyone's mind is whether or not the LA Lakers will be organizing their celebratory parade as is the custom after each NBA championship win. The Covid-19 pandemic has put the celebrations into question, but it hasn't been officially canceled. The Lakers, according to a TMZ report, won't cancel the official victory parade but only delay it. The report states that the LA County and City officials have been working with top Lakers honchos to find a safe way for the team and their fans to have a victory celebration in the wake of their seventeenth franchise title.
According to the report, ideas like an in-car celebration – where a limited number of vehicles would be allowed on location to cheer the champions – have been tossed around only to be ultimately rejected. The report claims that there will be a massive victory parade – just like the old days – to celebrate the victory inclusively, but only after the LA County and City officials give their final nod. The city of LA is looking at the victory celebration as an opportunity to recover the many difficulties and tragedies that they've faced this year; from the Covid-19 lockdowns to the death of Bryant. There is no official date for the celebrations, yet, but, depending on how the pandemic unfolds from this point onwards, a final date will be announced.
The report also states that the players have been allowed to celebrate inside the NBA Bubble in Orlando. The players have been allowed to bring in a limited number of family members after being tested for the coronavirus before their entry. They're also been tested regularly once inside the Bubble leaving no concern about having a massive victory party on the Disney World property.
