NBA Postpones Lakers, Clippers Games As Result Of Wildf.i.r.e.s

The league confirmed the news in a statement, noting that the rescheduling was done in collaboration with local authorities in L.A. and Inglewood. The goal is to ensure that no resources are diverted from the crucial wildfire response efforts.

The Lakers were set to host the Spurs at Crypto.com Arena, while the Clippers were slated to play the Hornets at the newly minted Intuit Dome. Both games will be rescheduled at a later date, with the NBA promising to announce those details soon.

As of now, the teams are still scheduled to play on Monday, with the Lakers again facing the Spurs and the Clippers hosting the Miami Heat, although that latter matchup remains up in the air. Sources close to the situation say the Clippers expect to play, but given the devastation in the area, things remain fluid.

This is the second postponement for both the Lakers and Hornets. The two teams had already seen their Thursday night game postponed due to the fires, which have had a deeply personal effect on members of the Lakers organization.

Lakers coach JJ Redick, in particular, was visibly emotional on Friday when discussing the destruction caused by the fires, including the loss of his family’s home in the Palisades.

“I was not prepared for what I saw,” Redick shared through tears. “It’s complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house, but I went through most of the [Palisades] Village, and it’s all gone. Our home, our home is gone.”

Redick, who has been a strong voice for his community, expressed heartbreak over the loss, not only of his home but of the community itself. “The Palisades community has really just been so good to us. That’s the part for us that we’re really struggling with—the loss of community,” he said. “It’s all gone.”

Despite his personal loss, Redick emphasized that his concern lies with others who have been harder hit by the fires.

“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me and my family. We’re going to be alright,” he stated. “There are people that, because of some political issues and some insurance issues, are not going to be alright. And we’re going to do everything we can to help anybody who is down and out because of this.”

In addition to postponing the games, the NBA and the players’ union are donating $1 million to aid those affected by the fires, with contributions going to organizations like the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen.

Both the league and the players continue to rally behind the community as they deal with one of the most challenging periods in L.A. in recent memory.