Fri Jan 10 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Devastating Wildfires Force NBA Game Postponement, Claim Homes of Coaches
**Los Angeles, CA** – The NBA postponed Thursday’s Los Angeles Lakers-Charlotte Hornets game due to the catastrophic wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area. The fires, fueled by strong winds, have destroyed over 5,300 structures, including the homes of Lakers coach JJ Redick and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Redick confirmed that his Pacific Palisades rental home was lost in the blaze, while Kerr revealed that his childhood home, where he recently celebrated his mother’s 90th birthday, was also destroyed. His mother safely evacuated. Kerr described the devastation in Pacific Palisades as “surreal” and likened the destruction to the Lahaina fire in Maui. He also noted that many of his friends and his high school are gone.
The wildfires prompted the postponement of other major sporting events. Wednesday’s NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames was also cancelled, and the NFL relocated Monday’s Rams-Vikings playoff game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Arizona.
Approximately 180,000 people are under evacuation orders as the fires have consumed roughly 45 square miles. The Palisades fire is already considered the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
The Lakers released a statement expressing heartbreak for the affected community and gratitude for first responders. The NBA echoed these sentiments, offering support to Los Angeles and praising the bravery of firefighters. A makeup date for the postponed Hornets-Lakers game has yet to be announced. The National Weather Service warns of further strong winds, raising concerns about worsening conditions. The cause of the fires remains under investigation. Several other NBA players, including Kawhi Leonard, have been impacted, with Leonard leaving the Clippers to return to Los Angeles following his family’s evacuation.
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