Lakers Parade 2009 Set For Wed. June 17 Despite Budget Problems

Well you know to some people sports means a lot. Why cant they have it for people that are already settled? im a graduate student and have been waiting to hear when the parade would be....

Wow I think anyone who is opossing a Laker victory parade needs to take a look back and realize how much money sports and espically the Lakers bring to the city of Los Angeles. so dont be a hater and upset that its costing the city x amount of dollars but remeber the millions they have brought to our communities.

I understand the cost of having this parade is too much money that the city should be investing in something else, but if you stop and think about it, it really is.  The parade signifies hope and prosperity through these hard financial times.  It is true, the Lakers do bring money to the city with all the merchandise that it sold.  It is great that the organization is splitting cost, that means they also care about the city sharing this victory.  Also, I don't know about those who are against the parade, but it gives the kids in our city hope at a future at sports.  Just imagine an underprivilegde child getting to attend a free parade and getting to see (even if just a glimpse) their favorite team.  It opens them up for future possibilities of what their future can be.  So yes, I believe in the parade...

GO LAKERS!!

Its all BS. Money brought to your communities? Ha! How many of you own a liquor store or a hotel that was frequented by a tourist who came to watch the LA Lakers play? Money to your communities? Ha, lol. The city has benifited and was earn money in tax dollars so giving a portion back should not be a problem.
Bottom line, more people want to see and have the parade than those who believe the money could be spent to better use (which is can :p)

It has been a tradition to have this parade! I hope they follow through with it because I am coming all the way from Seattle, Washington & took 2 days off for this event :) I am proud for this team for winning and celebrating a good time is  necessary. I would even pay a cover fee if they charged.

I think it is utterly ridiculous and misappropriation of city $. Of course, the Lakers are a HUGE franchise team that does bring Los Angeles a good deal of money, but LA needs to realize that this city is more than the home of the Lakers.

LA has top universities, medical facilities, cultural diversity, etc. There is opportunity here and much more going on that needs funding than a 3 hour parade when majority of people who "support" the Lakers are probably at work. WOW @ Taking off work to attend this parade from states away...so many people would be thankful to have a job and wouldn't leave their position for something as trivial as a Lakers victory parade!

Point is, Lakers always win this is nothing new and it's not like they went 20+ years without a Championship victory. Total waste of $ not to mention the damage it will bring with riots (again!).

I will be there! Someone please give me details!!!! Thank you!

Ok, unless your name is Mother Theresa, you have no reason to question a Laker parade!  We all have our guilty little pleasures and have spent $$ frivolously on things like buying a best friend drinks for their promotion or a wedding gift or a limo for a graduation present.  By questioning a parade you are a hipocrite!  The point is that unless you are spending on basic necessities like food water and shelter, the rest is for enjoyment and things like a celebration.  A parade is nothing more than a city and an organization coughing up a few bucks to celebrate a special occassion (if you look at the overall net worth of the city and organization).  The city needs this and wants this!  Besides, those who have argued that the $$ could be better spent on things like books or summer programs, need to realize that this argument is just rhetoric!  There is no real guarantee that the city would actually use "parade" money on more usefull stuff.  The truth is that it would most likely be money that would just be misspent on something silly like executive chairs or fancy desks for the same politicians who got us into this deficit in the first place.  Remember, the local politicians got CA into this mess, not the Lakers, by borrowing from our future to pay for our bills today!!!  Don't be naive, if a politician is questioning the parade they are just making a political move and nothing else, they don't care anymore about you any more than Kobe does.  It's not the fans' fault that the government can't balance their check book.  A parade is nothing more than giving a little something back to us fans who spent OUR hard earned cash on $12 beer at a game or $100 on a jersey.  I can almost guarantee that at some point during the celebration, someone for the Lakers will say something like, "...and it wouldn't be possible without all you fans out there" which is more than I can say for the liars at City Hall.  So go on Laker family and go to that FREE parade and have a little fun.  In times like this it is the best medicine!!!!!

Yes I am a Laker Hater and live in Los Angeles and an employee of the City of Los Angeles.  For those of you who are still fully employed and not being asked by your employer to take a day with out pay why don't you contribute to the Laker Parade if you feel so strongly about it.. The problem with laker fans is that you are only fans when the team is on a winning streak, that is when you support the team.  The Laker players should be the ones footing this bill. 

Why are people arguing over this?? Have nothing better to do obviously...GO LAKERS!!

Do not be rediculious!   Having this parade will generate over 15 million to the Los Angeles economy at the time where it needs it most!  Besides, wherelse can u have a pedler sell u hot dogs rolled in bacon at a bargain price?

IM GLAD THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DECIDED TO HAVE A PARADE DESPITE THE CRISIS WERE IN WE SHOULD NOT BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MIS MANAGING THE MONEY. THESE PLAYERS BRING ALOT OF REVENUE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND REWARDED. GO LAKERS!!!!!

THIS IS A VICTORY AND FOR THE TEAM AND KOBE... WE SHOULD BE POSITIVE. WHY DONT YOU (NEGATIVE PEOPLE) GO YOUR OWN FAIRY WAY AND ARGUE ABOUT THIS SOMEWHERE ELSE... THIS IS LAKERS TIME... NOT AN ARGUEMENT ABOUT LOOSING YOUR JOB OR WHY WE HAVE NO MONEY.. DAM.. YOU PEOPLE DONT HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO... GO LAKERS BABY..

what time is the parade?

we don't NEED a parade, but WE WANT ONE !!! My family and I are major LAKER FANS, it's one of the things we enjoy as a FAMILY !!! With tough times fallen on alot of Angelinos, it's nice to have something to be part of and celebrate!!! So if the city unites for even a day, I don't see the harm !!!! Congratulations Kobe,Gasol,Odom,Bynum,Fisher,Ariza,Sasha,JOrdan,Brown and the rest of the GReat Los Angeles Lakers !!! and of course, one of the Best coaches ever,.....Phil Jackson ..!!!! WOOOHOOOO !!!

Funny the city employees will be watching it from their windows at taxpayers expense..

oh by the way I know for a fact that the housing dept. is taking furloughs, and is racking in overtime like crazy before the furlough starts..Working saturdays,,?? Come on fire half and use the money for the parade..They don't do crap and get paid thanks to the union..

Turns out the City had to pay nothing, correct? That's what I just heard on the radio. Private investors/contributors put up all the money.

End of story! Let's party!