The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have wreaked havoc, causing the suspension of several sports events as residents and athletes alike face the devastation. However, as recovery efforts gain momentum, the NBA has announced that the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are set to return to the court this Monday. This marks a significant step towards normalcy after a period of disruption for the city's storied sports teams and its community.
A Return to the Court
The Lakers will face off against the San Antonio Spurs at the familiar Crypto.com Arena. Meanwhile, the Clippers are scheduled to host the Brooklyn Nets at the Intuit Dome. These games signal not only the resumption of professional basketball in Los Angeles but also a symbolic rebound from the trials inflicted by the wildfires, which left several athletes and residents grappling with personal loss.
The fires have claimed an estimated 16 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from the affected areas. Among those directly impacted by the fires is Lakers' coach, JJ Redick, whose rental home was lost to the flames. “I was not prepared for what I saw. It's complete devastation and destruction,” Redick recalled with palpable emotion. “I had to go kind of a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village and it's all gone. I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that.”
Personal Loss and Resilience
JJ Redick isn't the only figure in the basketball community affected by these catastrophic events. Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, revealed that his childhood home was also destroyed, though his 90-year-old mother was evacuated safely ahead of the disaster. Such personal stories reflect a broader narrative of resilience and community strength far beyond the boundaries of the court.
Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers similarly felt the personal impact of the fires. His family was affected, prompting him to take a leave from basketball. However, Leonard made his return to the team, marking his season debut on January 4, bringing his leadership back to a team eager to move past recent disruptions.
Managing Postponements
Despite these adversities, there remains logistical work ahead for the league, as several postponed games await rescheduling. Notably, matchups between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers and the Spurs, and the Clippers against the Hornets have yet to find a new place on the calendar. Although challenging, the NBA's priority remains the safety and well-being of those affected, ensuring that any return to regular scheduling does not compromise recovery efforts.
Moreover, the fallout from the fires made an unusual impact on the NHL as well. The Los Angeles Kings, who share the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers, also saw a game postponed against