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Los Angeles wildfires: Lakers game postponed, NFL contingency plans as coaches, athletes are impacted by fires

A Kings game was postponed, while NFL announced plans if Rams can't host playoff game in Inglewood

yahoo sports staff
·5-min read
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: People watch the smoke and flames from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on January 07, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 2,900 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second fire has emerged near Eaton Canyon. (Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images)
The fires raging in Southern California have forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people, including the families of two NBA coaches. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images)

Three intense and destructive wildfires are raging in Southern California, fueled by the powerful Santa Ana winds. The evacuation orders, which now include parts of the Los Angeles area, have caused tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

The fires, of course, are also impacting athletes and sporting events across the city.

The NFL playoffs kick off with the wild-card round this weekend, and the Los Angeles Rams are set to host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, which is about 10 miles southeast of where the Palisades fire is burning, but the situation is evolving rapidly.

The NFL said it plans to play that game as scheduled, but it announced a contingency plan on Wednesday afternoon. If necessary, the game would be moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona — which is home to the Cardinals. It would still take place on Monday night.

The NFL said in a statement that it "will continue to closely monitor developments" and will "remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA."

The Lakers were scheduled to start a four-game homestand on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets, but that game has been postponed due to the wildfires. It will be made up at a later date. The Lakers' next game is scheduled for Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.

"The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time," an NBA statement read. "We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires."

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lives in the Palisades, lost his home in the fires. On Tuesday, Redick said that his family had to evacuate their home due to the encroaching fire and smoke. Redick and the Lakers were not in Los Angeles at the time, but in Texas for a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

"I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now," Redick said. "That's where I live.

"Our family, my wife's family, my wife's twin sister, they've evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe."

On Wednesday, the fires prompted the Kings to postpone that night's home game against the Calgary Flames.

“Tonight’s game against Calgary has been postponed,” a Kings statement reads. “Our hearts are with the entire Los Angeles community. We appreciate the hard-working first responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community."

They share Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers as their home arena. The Clippers are scheduled to return from a road trip to host the Hornets on Saturday at their new arena in Inglewood.

The Chargers announced on Wednesday that they are donating $200,000 across multiple organizations in support of the firefighting and recovery effort including the "American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and several pet rescue organizations sheltering animals displaced by the fires."

The Chargers are also asking people who can to bring supplies to previously scheduled fan events ahead of their playoff game on Saturday. The Chargers are visiting the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard stepped away from the team on Wednesday to be with his family that was impacted and evacuated due to the fires.

Further specifics on his situation are not yet known. The Clippers are set to take on the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night. They will return home for Saturday's scheduled game against the Hornets.

Leonard has played in just two games for the Clippers this season. He made his debut last week after a lengthy knee injury sidelined him this summer and into the first part of the season. It's unclear how long Leonard will be away from the Clippers.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has also been affected by the fires. His 90-year-old mother lives in Pacific Palisades and had to evacuate her home.

“I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires,” Kerr said after the Warriors' 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat. “My mom lives in Pacific Palisades. She had to evacuate.

“Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying what’s happening down there,” Kerr said, “so just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of the fire. Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important.”

Kerr also said that Everett Dayton, who works for the Warriors in their player development department, grew up in Palisades and has lost his childhood home.