Miami Heat Navigates Wildfire Concerns Ahead of Los Angeles Games

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Miami Heat are preparing to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers this week amid ongoing wildfire concerns in Southern California. The team, currently on a six-game road trip, is scheduled to play at the Intuit Dome on Monday and Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, despite recent wildfires that have displaced thousands and raised air quality concerns.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized that the team’s focus remains on supporting the affected communities. “Our hearts and prayers are for everybody that’s managing the devastation,” Spoelstra said during a shootaround on Saturday. “If we can provide some inspiration and entertainment for the city, then that’s our obligation.”

Guard Tyler Herro echoed Spoelstra’s sentiments, expressing concern for the region while acknowledging the NBA’s relentless schedule. “My prayers are to the city, the community, everyone there that’s going through that,” Herro said. “But the NBA doesn’t stop, as we all know.”

Air quality in the Los Angeles area has been a significant issue, with levels listed as unhealthy over the weekend. The Los Angeles Rams‘ playoff game was relocated to Phoenix due to similar concerns. Herro admitted, “I think it’s dangerous for us to go there if that’s how bad it is, but we’ll see.”

Forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., a Southern California native, shared his frustration with the recurring wildfires. “It’s kind of ridiculous how California lets this happen,” Jaquez said. “It happens every single year, never prepared for it, always just gets out of control.” Jaquez, who played college basketball at UCLA, expressed concern for his alma mater, which was under a fire warning.

The Heat had planned to practice at UCLA, but those plans are now uncertain. Jaquez, whose high school jersey retirement ceremony in Camarillo was also affected, emphasized the broader impact of the fires. “People are losing their homes and losing their livelihood, and it’s ridiculous,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the Heat remain committed to their schedule. Spoelstra praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We know what to do.” The Heat’s trip also includes a stop in Phoenix, where the Rams’ game was moved, before returning to Miami.

As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, the Heat’s games in Los Angeles could serve as a brief respite for a community grappling with loss and uncertainty. “If we can play a game, we’re going to definitely try to play a game,” Jaquez said.