Yesterday, I wore my black "LA Riot Squad" t-shirt. Usually, you would have little, if any, interest in my fashion choices but this was somewhat ironic, if coincidental.

The t-shirt, a gift from a friend closely involved in California's soccer scene, refers to a fan group of Los Angeles Galaxy supporters (pre-Beckham) but yesterday could and should have been adopted by Los Angeles Lakers fans.

Yes, on Sunday the Lakers convincingly wrapped up the NBA Championship and so some fans responded as only they knew how: they rioted.

According to the Los Angeles Times, at least 25 people were arrested when revellers sparked fires, vandalized cars and buildings, set off fireworks, looted stores and clashed with police, near Downtown LA.

As you do.

Several cop cars were damaged along with buses and a TV news van. Sort of impressively, if a little stupidly, fans marched up an onramp to the 110 Freeway and cheered passing cars. Like to see them do that with an offramp.

Don't forget the looting. A crowd broke the window of a shoe store and ran through a gas station mini-mart, shoplifting.

Meanwhile, in Orlando, Florida, Kobe Bryant's Lakers (for on the court, it really is His team) commandingly took the play-offs 4-1 with a 99-86 win over the Orlando Magic, who didn't quite live out any Disney fairytale.

Let's hope Bryant has some large cupboards at home or, at least, a need for some extra doorstops. Kobe not only won his fourth NBA ring but also took home a trophy as the play-offs' MVP.

Off the court, coach Phil Jackson can share a little spotlight. Jackson now claims 10 NBA titles – six from his time with the legendary Chicago Bulls and now four with the Lakers. In between, he's also seen disappointment so understands what success is about.

"I really feel strongly that this is about them." Jackson said, modestly, of his team and their success.

NBA, once called "The Show" for its perceived glitter and glamour, is pitched as a pinnacle of American sport. But the Lakers' success can also be one for internationalism.

The roster claims players from Spain, China, Congo, and Slovenia. The main attraction, captain Kobe Bryant, knows his way around the world as much as the court.

Named, legend has it, when his parents spied "Kobe beef" on a restaurant menu, Bryant grew up in Italy where his father coached. He supports AC Milan and speaks Italian and Spanish.

Earlier this year, I saw "Kobe Doin' Work", a film directed by Spike Lee, at the Tribeca Film festival in New York that was later broadcast in the USA on ESPN.



The concept was generously lifted from the equally intimate but more esoteric (and perhaps dramatic, with a better soundtrack) "Zidane, a 21st Century Portrait".



Like Zidane, Lee's cameras followed Bryant throughout a game last season but the difference here was Bryant talking viewers through a game, explaining the hows and whys of top-level basketball. We also learn that Bryant knows how to swear in Slovenian.

"This feels like a dream," Bryant said, after the Lakers' win over Orlando.

"This doesn't feel real."

Some evidence that it doesn't always need a film to show that top athletes are human too.


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