NBA games are set to resume in Los Angeles on Monday night after being disrupted by the devastating wildfires in the area. The Clippers will face the Miami Heat at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, while the Lakers are scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena.
The Clippers had their game against the Charlotte Hornets postponed due to the wildfires, marking their first game in five days. Similarly, the Lakers had two home games delayed, one against the Hornets and the other against the Spurs.
Both teams expressed their concerns for the community affected by the fires, with players and staff actively engaging in relief efforts. The Clippers' Terance Mann planned to donate clothes, money, and other essential items, while the Lakers announced a donation drive to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's relief initiatives.
Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, the NBA teams are eager to bring some joy and togetherness to the community through basketball. The Spurs had to change hotels due to fire concerns, and the Heat arrived in Los Angeles as scheduled after playing in Portland.
Players and staff members have been closely monitoring the situation through news updates and apps, with many directly impacted by the fires. The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard returned to his family in Pacific Palisades, one of the heavily affected areas, while Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed that his rented house was destroyed by the fires.
As the teams prepare to resume their games, they aim to provide a brief escape for fans amidst the ongoing crisis. The Clippers and Lakers have additional home games scheduled for Wednesday, with ESPN adjusting its broadcast schedule to accommodate the changes.
The NBA community remains committed to supporting those affected by the wildfires and bringing a sense of normalcy back to Los Angeles through the power of basketball.
