People who have never been to L.A. really have no idea how insanely huge it is. Driving to my apartment from the start of city (before you even get to L.A. county) and having the city just keep going and going and going for two hours and not because of traffic jams is something you have to experience to truly understand.
It's nothing specific to LA, it's what any city with that population and a car centered infrastructure turns into.
I know that's probably what you meant, just wanted to add a bit o' clarity.