LOS ANGELES — With the fierce winds subsiding that contributed to the catastrophic wildfires in the Los Angeles area, members of the local sports community are beginning to address the aftermath of this dire situation.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed on Friday that his family’s rented residence in Pacific Palisades was lost to the flames earlier this week. “I can’t recall the last time I reacted like this,” he expressed emotionally following a practice session.
In response to the wildfires, the NBA has postponed home games scheduled for Saturday for both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers were expected to play against San Antonio, while the Clippers were set to face Charlotte. The league has not announced alternative dates for these matchups, nor clarified whether future games, including those on Monday and Wednesday, will be impacted.
The NBA stated that the postponements were made to ensure that no resources would be diverted from the ongoing wildfire response efforts, emphasizing that the organizations had been in contact with local officials in both Los Angeles and Inglewood regarding the evolving situation. Redick noted that the tragic loss of their home occurred while the Lakers were away on a trip, thankfully, his wife and their two children were not in the neighborhood during the blaze.
On another front, the stadium staff for the Arizona Cardinals has been working tirelessly to prepare for an NFL playoff game on short notice. The wild-card playoff game featuring the LA Rams and Minnesota Vikings has been relocated from Inglewood due to the alarming wildfires in the area.
One of the primary obstacles has been securing over 3,500 personnel required to facilitate the game, including catering staff and ushers. Additionally, logistical challenges such as preparing the playing field and updating stadium visuals have arisen. The aim is to replicate some elements of SoFi Stadium, the Rams’ home. Mark Dalton, the Cardinals’ vice president of media relations, commented on the collaborative effort involved in organizing the game amid challenging circumstances.
In a gesture of support, the NFL is providing $5 million to assist communities impacted by the wildfires. Contributions from various franchises, including the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL Foundation, will aid local organizations providing relief. Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed deep concern for those suffering losses in the LA area and praised the courage of first responders and residents supporting one another during this crisis.
The Rams have pledged support to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, helping both the city and LA County Fire Services, while the Kroenke family, who owns the Rams, is donating $1 million to the LAFD Foundation. The Chargers are aiding both the Red Cross and the LAFD Foundation, among other organizations. Players, coaches, and staff from both teams will wear specially designed hats and shirts to support the LAFD, with proceeds from sales directed toward relief efforts. Also, game-worn jerseys and selected footballs from the playoff games will be auctioned, with the earnings benefiting the Red Cross.
In college basketball, UCLA’s top-ranked team was scheduled to remain idle on Sunday after Northwestern opted not to travel to Los Angeles due to concerns about the wildfires. Northwestern will also miss their game against USC later in the week. UCLA has confirmed that its Westwood campus is not facing an immediate threat from the fires and is allowing activities based on air quality assessments. Although UCLA proposed an alternative location for the game, Northwestern decided against traveling. The Big Ten conference is reviewing rescheduling possibilities.
Despite the uncertainty, USC is anticipated to host Penn State on Sunday, with a matchup against UCLA set for Wednesday. UCLA head coach Cori Close and assistant Tony Newnan have homes near the fire evacuation zone, with Close acknowledging the fortuitous change in wind direction that has spared them so far. However, some Bruins players, hailing from various regions and countries, have expressed their unease regarding the fires.
Pepperdine has also adjusted the game times for its women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader against Loyola Marymount this Saturday, moving the women’s matchup to 1 p.m. PDT and the men’s game to 4:30 p.m. at Firestone Fieldhouse due to access restrictions caused by the fires.
In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings’ home game against Calgary was postponed, marking a significant sporting event impacted by the wildfires. Kings forward Trevor Moore, the team’s only player from California, expressed concern over the devastation in his home state, referencing friends who have lost their homes. The team plans to honor the LAFD with helmet stickers during games.
Meanwhile, the equestrian community has felt the effects of the fires as well. Although Santa Anita Park remains safe, jockey Mario Gutierrez, a two-time Kentucky Derby champion, recently lost his home to the flames. Other trainers have had to evacuate and are currently without power. Still, trainer Tim Yakteen emphasized the need to support those worse affected by the tragedy. Racing has been rescheduled for next Thursday, contingent upon air quality standards.
Finally, in soccer, U.S. Soccer announced the relocation of its January training camp for the women’s team and aspiring talent to Florida due to ongoing fire conditions in Los Angeles. The camps, accommodating 50 players, will take place at the Inter Miami CF’s Florida Blue Training Center from January 17-23, prioritizing the safety of all involved.
In swimming, USC has called off its outdoor meet against UC San Diego due to potential air quality issues impacting downtown Los Angeles.
