The Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday has been postponed as wildfires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
The team confirmed multiple reports about the postponement, as the Lakers released a statement on X telling fans to “please hold onto your tickets. They will be honored for the rescheduled date.”
California wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, leaving at least five people dead and burning more than 27,000 acres, authorities say. Thousands of houses have also been burned.
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The Los Angeles Lakers logo at the Crypto.com Arena at midcourt. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
An ESPN report added that Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his home like so many others who live in the area.
“We are heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement Thursday night. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and with all of you who come together when we need us most.
“Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today. We’re with you, LA.”
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES PROGRESS ACROSS LOS ANGELES COUNTY, FORCING THOUSANDS TO EVACUATE THEIR HOMES
The Purple and Gold aren’t the only professional sports teams in Los Angeles that are being affected by the fires.
The Los Angeles Rams could potentially play their wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if fires continue to affect the Inglewood area, where their home, SoFi Stadium, resides.
The NFL released its contingency plan Wednesday night shortly after saying it was monitoring the situation in Los Angeles.
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful wind storm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
As of Wednesday afternoon, the air quality index was above 280, with 150 or higher considered unhealthy.
The Los Angeles Chargers, although they did not play at SoFi Stadium for their own NFL playoff game, limited players’ time outdoors during Wednesday’s practice due to air quality. They will play the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon to kick off wild card weekend.
The Chargers released a statement Wednesday night, pledging $200,000 in targeted funding for wildfire relief efforts in the area.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Thursday that the Eaton Fire, which claimed at least five lives, has seen its growth “significantly halted.”
Detailed view of the Los Angeles Lakers logo on the shorts of forward LeBron James, #23, against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley also told reporters that the Palisades Fire, which remains 0% contained, is “one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles.” .
