The LA Wildfires have burned through 36,000 acres, forcing almost 200,000 people to vacate their homes. Along with them are people associated with NBA teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers organizations, who are facing the brunt of this unexpected disaster.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick was among the first to be forced to evacuate as fires threatened his Pacific Palisades neighborhood. His family got out safely, however, their house has been burnt down along with almost all their possessions.
Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard left team practice earlier this week to evacuate his family. He has a mansion in the Pacific Palisades, however, the situation surrounding that is unknown. The LA Wildfires have ravaged more than 5000 structures in the Palisades area alone.
The two team’s facilities at the Crypto.com Arena and Intuit Dome though are not in danger. However, with the situation in Los Angeles stretching government resources, the NBA decided to ease their pain. They released an official communication that read.
The NBA and the Clippers and Lakers organizations have been in communication with local officials in Los Angeles and Inglewood about the ongoing situation in the Los Angeles area and the game postponements ensure no resources will be diverted from the wildfire response efforts.
NBA in their statement
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/5cIz1BUFt7
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 11, 2025
The league postponed the game at the Crypto.com arena between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. Along with that, they also postponed the game between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers. Their decision comes at a time when the city is using its resources at the affected areas.
NBA and NBPA donates to relief measures
The LA Wildfires have thankfully not affected many people within the sporting community. However, some such as Lakers videographer Rohan Ali lost his childhood home in Altadena to the Eaton fires. He managed to raise some funds thanks to Lakers players, but the NBA and NBPA decided to do their bit.
The NBA and NBPA are donating one million dollars for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations to support those affected by this disaster.
NBA in their statement
The league and the Players association also stated that they are working with both the Lakers and Clippers organizations to help with the rebuilding efforts. Both the Los Angeles teams will spearhead efforts with their fanbases struggling with losses.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, each have six games at home this month. If the situation continues to throttle the city’s services, chances are both teams might not play basketball. Attending those affected by the LA Wildfires is the first priority.
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