𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 – In light of the ongoing wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area, the NBA has announced the postponement of Thursday’s game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers. The decision to reschedule the game comes amid the growing devastation caused by the fires, which have already claimed at least five lives and continue to burn largely uncontrolled.
The Lakers, who were scheduled to kick off a five-game homestand, have yet to receive a new date for the matchup against the Hornets. The league issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Los Angeles community during this difficult time.
“The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,” the statement read. “We’re 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.”
As smoke fills the skies over the region, the Lakers, currently 20-16 and sixth in the Western Conference, echoed the sentiment in a statement released on their official website. “We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the team said. “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. We’re with you, LA.”
The Hornets, struggling at 8-27 and in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, will also be affected by the postponement, with no immediate rescheduled date provided by the NBA.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ homestand is set to resume with games against the San Antonio Spurs, led by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, on Saturday and Monday, followed by the Miami Heat on Wednesday and the Brooklyn Nets on January 17. Similarly, the Los Angeles Clippers have several home games scheduled this weekend and next week.
The sporting world is not the only one impacted by the wildfires, with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings postponing their Wednesday game against Calgary and the NFL considering relocating the Los Angeles Rams’ upcoming playoff game against Minnesota to Glendale, Arizona, if needed.
As the fires continue to wreak havoc, local first responders and residents are being commended for their efforts in the face of crisis, with hopes that the situation can soon be contained.
