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Los Angeles Belongs To the Lakers: Fans Go Wild in DTLA To Celebrate 17th Championship (Photo Essay)

[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]aker nation went absolutely wild last night as tens of thousands of fans flocked to Staples Center to witness history as the Lakers won their 17th championship. The win was an emotional one for many fans as it came just months after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, who led the team to their last championship in 2010.

Chants of Kobe! Kobe! echoed through the streets of downtown L.A. as fans packed the streets, setting off fireworks, drinking beer, burning out with their cars, and climbing up light poles. Los Angeles Times is reporting that at least 76 people were arrested. The celebrations turned violent as videos on social media showed LAPD dispersing the crowds using non-lethal force by the end of the night.

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