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NBA Postpones Lakers Game Amid LA Wildfire Crisis

The NBA postpones the Lakers vs. Hornets game due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles affecting players and coaches alike.

An aerial view of the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, showcasing homes engulfed in flames with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. In the foreground, fire crews are battling the inferno while evacuation efforts are underway, with residents fleeing the area. The backdrop features the iconic skyline of Los Angeles partially obscured by smoke, highlighting the surreal and devastating impact of the fires on the community. The image depicts the urgency of the crisis and the emotional toll it takes on those affected.

NBA Postpones Lakers Game Amid LA Wildfire Crisis

On January 9, 2025, the NBA made the difficult decision to postpone the scheduled game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets due to raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area. This significant move comes in the wake of the destruction caused by multiple fires, which have devastated homes and communities, including those of key figures within the league.

The Impact of the Wildfires

Reports indicate that over 5,300 structures have already succumbed to the flames, with Lakers' head coach JJ Redick losing his rental home in Pacific Palisades. Redick confirmed the evacuation order affecting many in the region, which has led to the displacement of around 180,000 residents.

Meanwhile, Warriors coach Steve Kerr also experienced the loss of his childhood home, and he expressed his heartbreak over the emotional and physical toll the fires have taken on the community. Kerr shared, “It looks like apocalyptic and devastating,” as many local residents faced similar tragedies.

More broadly, the fires have raised significant safety concerns in the area, with more than 100,000 people forced to evacuate as flames threatened residential areas and iconic Hollywood landmarks. Currently, about 200,000 additional individuals are under evacuation warnings, a dire testament to the scale of the crisis unfolding.

NBA Response and Community Support

The NBA community has shown solidarity with those affected by the fires. In an official statement, the league expressed its support for Los Angeles, saying:

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