Inglewood, California is set to witness the return of NBA action on Monday evening, as both the Clippers and the Lakers resume their schedules following the devastating wildfires that have been affecting the area. The Clippers are preparing to host the Miami Heat, while the Lakers will be welcoming the San Antonio Spurs, who come to town with star rookie Victor Wembanyama in tow.
The Clippers received confirmation from the NBA to proceed with their game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, which is located near the ongoing Palisades fire. The Spurs were also informed that, as it currently stands, they are expected to face the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles on the same night.
Lakers superstar LeBron James voiced his concerns on social media, expressing a wish for the tragedies caused by the wildfires to come to an end soon. The Clippers are looking forward to their first game in five days, as their match against Charlotte was postponed due to the fires. Meanwhile, the Lakers experienced delays for two of their home games — one against the Hornets last Thursday and another initially scheduled against the Spurs.
Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of context amid the chaos, stating that the devastation experienced by so many makes it challenging to focus solely on basketball. Nevertheless, he hopes the return of the game can bring a sense of joy and unity during these tough times.
Instead of resting before the game, Clippers player Terance Mann plans to dedicate his time to helping those affected by the wildfires. He stated that he intends to donate clothes, money, shoes, and other items to assist those in need.
Furthermore, the Lakers announced a donation drive for their upcoming matches, commencing on Monday. Fans attending the games are encouraged to bring new, packaged items to help support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s relief initiatives. Starting Tuesday, the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo will operate as a donation drop-off point, welcoming contributions of essential non-food items like toiletries, socks, and blankets, along with food donations such as protein snacks and juice boxes.
The Spurs have had to make adjustments to their accommodations due to the ongoing fire risks and have changed hotels after their arrival in Los Angeles. In contrast, the Miami Heat made it to Los Angeles on schedule after playing against Portland.
Amid the unfolding disaster, checking news updates has turned into a frequent activity for many. Mann noted that he has been keeping a close eye on news coverage, highlighting the prevalence of fires around Los Angeles County since they erupted on Tuesday. Players like Kawhi Leonard had to prioritize their family’s safety, leaving the team early to return home, which lies near one of the significant fire areas.
Many members of the Clippers organization have directly felt the impact of the wildfires, with some having to evacuate their residences and others knowing individuals who have tragically lost their homes. Lakers coach JJ Redick shared that the rental property where his family is staying this season was entirely lost due to the flames.
Mann remarked on the ongoing hardships, mentioning that team members have had sleepless nights and significant personal troubles due to the fires. The sense of urgency to return to normalcy is strong, particularly as players strive to offer fans some respite, even if for a few hours, amidst their struggles.
As excitement builds, both the Clippers and Lakers are scheduled for additional home games on Wednesday, with the Clippers facing the Brooklyn Nets and the Lakers going up against the Heat. In a scheduling change, ESPN has opted not to broadcast the Lakers-Heat matchup, instead showcasing a game featuring Golden State against Minnesota.
