NBA postpones Lakers-Hornets game due to LA-area wildfires
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The NBA game between the Charlotte Hornets and LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers in LA was postponed due to the devastating wildfires.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LOS ANGELES – The National Basketball Association (NBA) postponed the scheduled Jan 9 game between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers due to the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
The league announced the move without naming a new date for the contest, the first of a scheduled five-game home stand for LeBron James and his teammates.
Among the thousands of structures that have been consumed by flames, according to multiple reports, was the rental home of Lakers coach J.J. Redick, who said on Jan 7 his family had been forced to evacuate their home in Pacific Palisades, among the hardest-hit areas in the disaster.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also said his childhood home was lost in the flames at Palisades.
“The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,” the league said in a statement.
“We’re 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.”
The Lakers (20-16) rank sixth in the Western Conference, while the Hornets are 13th in the East at 8-27.
“We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement on their website. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation.
“And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most. Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today. We’re with you, LA.”
The Lakers are set to host French star Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Jan 11 and Jan 13 with the Miami Heat set to visit on Jan 15 and the Brooklyn Nets scheduled to play in LA two days later.
The Los Angeles Clippers have home games scheduled on Jan 11 against Charlotte, Jan 13 against Miami and Jan 15 against Brooklyn.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour sent a memo to players on Jan 9 saying it is monitoring the fires but it is premature to talk about the impact on the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational, a tournament set to be hosted by Tiger Woods from Feb 13 to16 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, according to reports.
“Although the Riviera Country Club has not been directly affected by the fires, our immediate concern is the health and welfare of those in the affected communities, including all our members who have ties to Southern California,” it said. AFP
