Wildfires Force NBA, NHL Game Postponements in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The NBA postponed Thursday’s game between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers due to devastating wildfires raging across the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, have destroyed thousands of structures, including the rental home of Lakers coach JJ Redick in Pacific Palisades.

Redick confirmed Tuesday that his family was among those forced to evacuate as the fires spread. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also revealed that his childhood home in Pacific Palisades was lost in the blaze. Kerr’s 90-year-old mother, Ann, evacuated safely, but the family home, purchased in 1969, was destroyed. “It’s surreal and devastating,” Kerr said. “The town looks like it’s just been completely wiped out.”

The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles history, has consumed approximately 45 square miles and destroyed over 5,300 structures as of Thursday. Roughly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, with strong winds expected to worsen conditions through Friday.

The NBA released a statement expressing solidarity with the Los Angeles community. “The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,” the league said. “We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery.”

The NHL also postponed Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings issued a statement expressing their support for the community and first responders. The Lakers’ next game, scheduled for Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, remains on as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, the NFL announced contingency plans for the Los Angeles Rams‘ playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, scheduled for Monday night at SoFi Stadium. If conditions worsen, the game will be moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Rams coach Sean McVay expressed his concern for those affected by the fires. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody that’s been affected by these fires,” McVay said.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left the team in Denver to return to Los Angeles after his family was evacuated. Leonard, who recently returned from a knee injury, has played only two games this season. The Clippers are scheduled to host the Hornets on Saturday.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green‘s home in Los Angeles remains intact, according to Kerr. However, Kerr’s high school, Palisades Charter High School, was destroyed. “It’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades rebuilds and how it becomes a thriving community again,” Kerr said. “It’s just shocking.”

Fire officials have not yet determined the cause of the fires but are actively investigating. The National Weather Service warned that strong winds could exacerbate conditions in the coming days, raising concerns about further devastation.