ESPN News Services
Jan 9, 2025, 01:46 PM ET
The NBA postponed Thursday's game in Los Angeles between the Hornets and Lakers because of the massive wildfires that have claimed over 1,000 structures in the area, including the home of Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Redick's rental home in Pacific Palisades was one of the structures lost in the biggest of multiple fires raging across the Los Angeles metropolitan area this week.
Redick acknowledged the threat to his home Tuesday before the Lakers' game against the Mavericks in Dallas, saying that members of his family were among those forced to evacuate homes in the area.
Thursday marked the second straight day that a game slated to be played in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed. The NHL's Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.
"We're heartbroken for Los Angeles," the Lakers said in a statement. "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."
The NBA had not announced a makeup date for the Hornets-Lakers game as of Thursday afternoon.
"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 are 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."
Three major fires were burning in areas of the vast Los Angeles metroplex following two days of extraordinary winds. A major threat broke out Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, close to the heart of the entertainment industry, but had been contained by Thursday morning.
Roughly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, and the fires have consumed about 45 square miles -- roughly the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is already the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
Wind gusts were expected to strengthen Thursday evening through Friday morning, with yet another round of strong winds expected next week, raising concerns that the conditions could worsen, the National Weather Service said.
Fire officials said Thursday that they don't yet know the cause of the fires but are actively investigating.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
