THE PARADE

A look at Laker championship parades:

1972

No parade.

*

1980

* May 17--5,000 fans turn out for a rally at the Forum the day after the Lakers defeat Philadelphia to win the title.

WHAT THEY SAID

Coach Paul Westhead, commenting on how the Lakers were able to win the decisive game without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who stayed home because of a sprained ankle:

“Walt Whitman said ‘A teacher’s goal is to teach the class so well that the class outdoes the teacher.’ ”

CITY HALL PARADE

* May 19--Approximately 6,000 fans turn out for a parade that led to City Hall. After standing in 90-degree heat for 75 minutes while waiting for the Lakers to emerge from City Hall, the crowd booed the team when all they did was come out on the roof of the building, wave, and then leave.

1982

* June 10--Around 10,000 fans turn out for a City Hall parade/rally.

WHAT THEY SAID

Magic Johnson:

“It’s nice to be back. What took us so long?”

1985

* June 11--30,000 turn out for a City Hall parade/rally.

WHAT THEY SAID

Coach Pat Riley, referring to finally defeating the Celtics to win the title:

“It was great to finally get that leprechaun off

our back.”

1987

* June 16--40,000 turn out for a City Hall parade/rally.

WHAT THEY SAID

Riley:

“We will win it all again next year. I guarantee it.”

1988

* June 22--40,000 turn out for a City Hall parade/rally.

WHAT THEY SAID

Abdul-Jabbar, stepping in front of Riley after he was introduced:

“Don’t let that man near a microphone.” Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson then tied a gag around Riley’s mouth.

2000

* June 21--250,000 turn out for a parade/rally that ends at Staples Center.

WHAT THEY SAID

Robert Horry:

“To quote a good friend of mine, [professional wrestler] The Rock--’Finally, the championship has come back to Los Angeles.’ ”