Lakers set to celebrate 16th NBA title with downsized and frill-free parade

Lakers set to celebrate with downsized parade

LOS ANGELES — Unlike the gritty comeback that gave the Los Angeles Lakers an NBA title against their rivals, the Boston Celtics, this year’s victory parade will have no rallies.

A compact championship parade — scaled back to rein in costs — will stream through the streets of downtown starting at 11 a.m. Monday, minus the flashy rallies and side celebrations of past years.

The bash begins at Staples Center and makes its way down Figueroa Street to the University of Southern California. Much of downtown will be shut down for the event, and city officials are urging fans to use public transportation.

Lakers officials expect between 500,000 and 2 million fans to line the two-mile route as the team celebrates its Game 7 victory over Boston on Thursday.