The Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday was postponed as wildfires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
The team confirmed the multiple reports of the postponement when the Lakers released a statement at the X telling fans to “please hold on to your tickets. They will be honored for the rescheduled date.”
California wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, with at least five dead and more than 27,000 acres burning, officials say. Thousands of homes have also been burned down.
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The Los Angeles Lakers logo at midcourt Crypto.com Arena. (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 devastated for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement Thursday night. “Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other most.
“Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today. We’re with you, LA.”
CALIFORNIA FIRES ACROSS LOS ANGELES COUNTY, THOUSANDS NEEDED TO EVACUATE THEIR HOMES
The purple and gold aren’t the only professional sports teams in Los Angeles 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 the fires continue to affect the Inglewood area, where their home, SoFi Stadium, is located.
The NFL released its emergency 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 strong windstorm on Jan. 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 and above considered unhealthy.
The Los Angeles Chargers, though not playing at SoFi Stadium for their own NFL playoff game, limited players’ time outside during Wednesday’s practice because of the air quality. They 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 efforts in the area.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone announced Thursday that the Eaton fire, which claimed at least five lives, has seen 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 the Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
LA City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley also told reporters that the Palisades fire, which remains 0% contained, is “one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles history.”
