The fires raging in Southern California have forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people, including the families of two NBA coaches. (Photo by 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.
Kings postpone game against Flames
On Wednesday, the fires prompted the Kings to postpone a Wednesday night 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.”
The Lakers are scheduled to start a four-game home stand on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. They share Crypto.com Arena with the Kings as their home arena.
The Clippers are scheduled to return from a road trip to host the Hornets in Saturday at their new arena in Inglewood. The Rams are scheduled to host the Rams Monday night for a playoff game in Inglewood.
Those games remained on schedule as of Wednesday afternoon, but their status is subject to change depending on the trajectory of the wildfires.
JJ Redick’s family evacuated
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who lives in Palisades, said Tuesday that his family had to evacuate their home due to the encroaching fire and smoke. Redick and the Lakers were not in Los Angeles, 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.”
TNT reported that the Lakers’ flight back to Los Angeles would be delayed due to the fires, but the team told ESPN that they would still be departing Dallas on Tuesday night.
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.
NFL monitoring situation ahead of Vikings-Rams wild-card game
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 fires are burning, but the situation is evolving rapidly.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is closely monitoring the fire.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on the wildfires in the Los Angeles area:
“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Vikings and Rams are scheduled to play Monday at Sofi Stadium.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) January 8, 2025