The top 20 most popular sports entities in Los Angeles, according to Chris Dufresne
Whose town is it anyway?
Times staff writer Chris Dufresne ranks Los Angeles’ most popular sports franchises:
1. Lakers; Like Elvis when he was on top . . . just don’t start making dumb movies or get drafted.
2. Angels: Update on shameless PR move naming team L.A. Angels of Anaheim: It worked.
3. Dodgers: Costello: “What’s the guy’s name on first?” Abbott: “No. What is on second.”
4. USC football: Math department “vehemently” appeals ranking to NCAA Committee on Fractions.
5. Chivas Guadalajara: If you think this is too high you may know football, but not futbol.
6. Clippers: Scuba instructor warns Blake Griffin that rapid ascension could lead to the rim bends.
7. UCLA basketball: First promotional event at temporary “home” Sports Arena: “Rat Trap Night.”
8. UCLA football: The town is here for the taking if only the Bruins would take it to someone.
9. Oakland Raiders: Will stay on list for as long as Jim Hill thinks they never actually left.
10. Kings: Latest first-round playoff exit electrifies a 50-watt bulb somewhere in El Segundo.
11. Ducks: Raquel Welch says 2007 Stanley Cup seems like “one million years BC” ago.
12. USC basketball: Coach needs to raise one bar in town — but stay out of all the rest.
13. Galaxy: Probably the best MLS team in town (grading on curve).
14. Chivas USA: Players insist they could score more goals if allowed to use their hands.
15. UC Irvine baseball: Gorgeous community with man-made lakes and park featuring “no pepper” signs.
16. Sparks: Candace Parker and Bryant (Joe, not Kobe) worth the $8 price of admission.
17. Mater Dei: Several players have already requested transfers to other ranking systems.
18. Sacramento Kings: Loading up on “Anaheim Royals” foam fingers in case you change your minds.
19. St. Louis Rams: Won NFL titles in Cleveland, L.A. and St. Louis but skipped right over (then out of) Anaheim.
20. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes: Clean, safe, alternative way to enjoy quality Dodgers-affiliated baseball.
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