With rioting sparked by the acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers accused of brutally beating Rodney King, the Lakers and Portland played at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Rodney King
Residents and community leaders say the violence damaged the area’s economic prospects, but they also say the city should do more to boost development in what was once the city’s predominantly black community.
While the riots in Los Angeles were far bigger and deadlier, the unrest in Las Vegas’ predominantly black community exposed festering problems and became a pivotal moment in police and community relations.