LAPD PREPARES FOR LAKER WIN POLICE URGE FANS TO 'CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY'.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

Los Angeles police plan to crack down on violent celebrations surrounding the Lakers' championship series, officials say.

``Our goal is to prevent a disruptive-type crowd from gathering and let people know we are there and will be there en masse,'' said Capt. Stuart Maislin of the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division.

As the Lakers prepared for the National Basketball Association championship series that starts Wednesday at Staples Center, police were planning to handle any violence associated with what could be the Lakers' second consecutive title. Last year after the Lakers won, police had to face thousands of people around Staples Center who smashed windows, damaged cars and burned a police car and TV van.

``Last year was an aberration,'' said Sgt. John Pasquariello, a police spokesman.

This year, officials from Staples Center assured police that the Jumbotron outside the arena would not broadcast the game, but only show advertisements, Maislin said.

Police say the Jumbotron contributed to the crowds that erupted after the victory. Maislin said although Staples Center will televise the championship game inside if the Lakers are away, there will be no reason for crowds to gather outside when they play at home.

Police will clamp down on any unlawful behavior such as drinking in public and vandalism.

Certain streets around Staples Center will be closed and vehicles will be rerouted to eliminate cruising.

Maislin warned people who caused trouble last year ``not to think they can get away with it twice.''

``It's one thing to celebrate the Lakers championship,'' he said, adding that it's quite different when laws are broken. ``Any unlawful activity will be dealt with swiftly and severely.''

The schedule may help as well. If the Lakers sweep the series, they'll win the championship on the road. But that could push celebrations out into the neighborhoods.

LAPD Chief Bernard C. Parks has made it clear to police commanders that situations could occur anywhere in the city, so police have been told to be on watch throughout the series.

``My 17 other colleagues (from each LAPD division) have been put on notice to be aware of sports bars and other locations where there might be spontaneous celebrations,'' Maislin said.

While each of the games in Los Angeles will have a deployment of officers, police are aware that the potential for unruly behavior is the most likely during the championship game.

``The crowd is not as excitable if it's not a championship game,'' Pasquariello said.

Last year, police were dealing with an event that officials have not dealt with in recent history, Maislin said. The history of Lakers championships in the 1980s was completely different, as the games were played in Inglewood, Maislin said.

``The main thing we learned is Los Angeles is not immune from (sports- related violence) when teams win big championships,'' Maislin said.

Elya Baskell, owner of Office Plus next to Staples Center, said the business suffered $1,000 in damage from graffiti last year. He said, hopefully this year, businesses will be more protected.

``I think last year they were caught by surprise by what happened,'' he said.

Maislin said police officials have met with businesses hardest hit by last year's rampage to assure them that there will be beefed up police presence in the area.

Pasquariello said the police are promoting one basic message this year: ``Celebrate responsibly.''

``We're not here to stifle anyone's emotions, excitement or celebration,'' he said. ``The operative word is to celebrate responsibly. Just because the team wins the championship doesn't give you the right to disregard the law.''