Chief blames 'knuckleheads' for post-NBA title violence

LOS ANGELES - Looting and vandalism that broke out in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball championship won't keep the city from celebrating the team's victory: City officials and the Lakers are planning a victory parade they hope will overshadow unrest the police chief blames on a mob of "knuckleheads."

Police were reviewing security video and media images Monday to identify suspects who caused damage downtown the night before. Police Chief William Bratton said many known gang members were in the crowd.

"These knuckleheads seem to really relish their opportunity in the dark," Bratton said.

A parade was being planned for Wednesday. City officials met Monday afternoon to plan for security along the parade route and a rally to be held at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers and the city will kick in about $1 million apiece for the party. Citing the city's financial crisis, unions representing police, traffic officers, street and sanitation workers demanded the Lakers or other private groups pay for it.