We're beginning to think L.A. is the Rodney Dangerfield of cities — you know, no respect. Despite our celebrity, natural beauty, and second-only-to-New York size, we suck in so many ways. Our traffic is the worst. Our roads are almost the worst. Our do-nothing City Council gets paid more than any other across the land.
What we need is a shot of self-esteem. What we need is … the Lakers!
What was that? 1 and 2? Lost to the Clippers pre-season? Arg. Sounds about right:
The Atlantic this week (via LA Biz Observed) breaks down the pro sports data and finds that L.A. only ranks fifth among big cities with multiple championships.
Greater New York tops the list with 59 total championships. Chicago is second with 29. Boston ties with Montreal with 24 titles each; Los Angeles is fifth with 23 and Detroit sixth with 22.
Our fair city gets even smaller when you consider size, or “championships per 100,000 residents,” where tiny Green Bay comes in first and L.A. a measly ninth and is outranked by the likes of Montreal and … Edmonton?
Yeah, Edmonton.
To be fair, we haven't had an NFL team since Clinton was president. And we're a capital of solo, lifestyle sports like running, surfing and skateboarding.
So remember that when you're down (and the Lakers are losing).
[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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