Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa gave his “can't-we-call-just-get-along” speech to the media Wednesday, one day before the Lakers and Celtics face off for the NBA championship at Staples Center downtown. Mayor V. wants to avoid the kind of mini-riot — including a bonfire and looting — that soured last year's championship victory for L.A. As we noted, it appears fans are preparing to wreak havoc, and police are gearing up. Says the mayor:

“Our hope is that the people of Los Angeles will understand that the best way to celebrate a victory — and there will be a victory — on Thursday night is to do so in a way that respects this community.”

At 4:30 p.m. Villaraigosa will join Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck to discuss preparations for Thursday's game.

-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.