[genocidicbunny]

In addition to that, SFO is already down a runway which is causing some delays because planes need to go around the construction zones. An airplane with a potentially damaged landing gear can close all of the remaining runways due to the cross layout that SFO uses. LAX is laid out a little differently, so you aren't risking having the whole airport close for a while if something does go wrong.

When combined with the need to burn off some of the fuel, LAX seems like a sensible choice. You don't need to travel over any particularly tall terrain, LAX is large and should have sufficient runways for an airplane that might have trouble coming to a stop quickly. Since there was no issue with actual in-flight operation of the airplane, it's also not a 'land right the frak now' situation.

[hinkley]

Is SFO a maintenance hub? That could be another variable, if the repair facilities in LAX are better.

And then there’s a potential bias against SFO, given they just let an airplane take off that HAD A WHEEL FALL OFF. Maybe they aren’t the best party to examine the plane just now.

[nradov]

United Airlines has its main maintenance hub at SFO, and smaller ones at several other airports including LAX.

https://www.mroglobal-online.com/companies/united-technical/