Growing up in LA in the 60s and 70s, I have to say that the Rams and Dodgers were about equal with each other. I might have to give the nod to the Dodgers. It seemed that Rams players showed up more in TV shows and on talk shows but going to a Dodger game was something virtually every little kid I knew got to do. You had 82 chances to go see a game and companies were always giving away promotional tickets, our little league team went at least once a year, etc. Walter Alston was a legend of a coach, and you had the likes of Drysedale (sp?), Wills, Davis, Mota, and Koufax. Then it just seemed we transitioned into Lasorda, Sutton, Cey, Russell, Lopes, Garvey, Sax, Valenzuela........
But my love for the Rams started with my dad when I was 5. My dad wasn't much of a baseball fan so he took me to Rams games occasionally. And when we went, it was like an event for everyone there - a completely different experience than a baseball game. You could feel the energy. It wasn't just a fun day in the sun watching baseball. It was FUCK YEAH!!! I'M GOING TO WATCH THE RAMS!!!
So I think more people followed the Dodgers back then but the fan base for the Rams was more serious. I think that will be what happens over the next few years if Goodhell doesn't continue to kill the goose laying the golden egg.
And I love my Lakers. But I just don't think basketball will ever capture the hearts and emotions of baseball and football in the LA area. The fans will definitely support the Lakers when they are winning but that support will fall off much faster than either of the big two IMO. Hockey? Again... I love my Kings but hockey will probably always be a niche sport in CA.
As far as college football, Trojans are and pretty much always have been #1 with UCLA bringing up the rear. They are both more popular than the Rams right now but I think that will change pretty quickly.