Devastating Wildfires Force Cancellation of LA Lakers Game as Coach Loses His Home

The destructive Californian fires have compelled the NBA to postpone the Los Angeles Lakers’ home matchup with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday (AEDT) as reports suggest that Lakers coach JJ Redick has tragically lost his home.

This marks the second consecutive day that a game in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed, with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings also having their matchup against the Calgary Flames affected.

Approximately 180,000 individuals are currently under evacuation orders, with fires ravaging an area of 117 square kilometres — nearly equivalent to the size of San Francisco. The Palisades fire is now recorded as the most devastating in the history of Los Angeles.

According to ESPN, Lakers coach JJ Redick has been personally impacted, having lost his home to the devastating fires.

Before his team’s 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, Redick disclosed to reporters that his family had been forced to evacuate their residence.

“I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected in the Palisades at this time,” Redick expressed. “This is where I reside, along with my family and my wife’s family; they too have had to evacuate.”

“I understand how alarming this situation is for many, including my own family. With the winds picking up tonight, I know there are many scared individuals.”

The dates for the postponed games will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams have issued a statement to season-ticket holders and fans, affirming that Tuesday’s (AEDT) NFC wild-card round game against the Minnesota Vikings will proceed as planned at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

If relocation becomes necessary, the NFL has stated that the game will occur at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard abruptly departed the team leading up to their game against Denver on Thursday, citing personal reasons. Leonard purchased a home in Pacific Palisades in 2021.

“You have to prioritise family… I completely support him during this time,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue commented. “He’s returned to check on his family and kids, ensuring they are safe. Thankfully, he made it back, and they are doing alright.”

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, recognised the “terrifying” ramifications of the fires in California, sharing that his mother had been forced to evacuate from her home in Pacific Palisades.

“Everything I am seeing and reading about is truly horrifying, the situation down there,” Kerr remarked to reporters.

“I just want to send my thoughts to everyone enduring the devastation the fires have caused.”

– with CNN