Los Angeles police declare unlawful assembly after Lakers victory, urge fans to disperse

LA police declare unlawful assembly

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of people are streaming out of Staples Center following the Los Angeles Lakers win over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA finals.

Los Angeles police spokeswoman April Harding says there have been some reports of rocks and bottles being thrown at officers. She says a rat trap also was thrown at one officer. So far two arrests have been reported, both misdemeanors for drinking in public.

Police earlier declared an unlawful assembly outside the arena, urging people to disperse immediately.

Hundreds of Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have been deployed to East Los Angeles near Whittier Boulevard, which has been closed to vehicle traffic.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker says the crowd is growing, but no major problems have been reported.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles police have declared an unlawful assembly as hundreds of jubilant Los Angeles Lakers fans poured into the streets near Staples Center after the Lakers 83-79 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA finals.

Police urged people to disperse immediately outside Staples Center Thursday night.

A police spokesman says at least two people have been arrested — both misdemeanors for drinking in public.

Police massed around the arena before Game 7 of the NBA finals, aiming to prevent a repeat of the violence that accompanied the Lakers’ victory last year.