The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers return to court after a six-day layoff, pledging support to the L.A. community ravaged by wildfires, while also committing to providing relief efforts.
The Lakers and Clippers Return to Court, Pledge Support to L.A.
With the Los Angeles Lakers set to play their first game after a six-day layoff due to the Southern California wildfires, coach JJ Redick took a moment to focus on something he hoped could be gained from this challenging time.
A group functions best when you draw strength from each other, and that’s exactly what Redick hopes his team will do. “Then it’s our job to go give strength and give hope and give joy,” he said. “Sports are a lot of things, and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction; and hopefully, sports — and tonight — can provide some joy, as well.”
The Lakers worked with the NBA, Los Angeles County officials, and the San Antonio Spurs to hold Monday’s game as scheduled, dedicating the contest to the L.A. community and the first responders who have worked tirelessly to provide relief from the fires that have killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures across 40,000 acres of charred land.
For Redick, this game is not just about basketball; it’s about connection and community. “Sports really work well when the team, the organization, has a connection to the city and the fans feel a connection to the team,” he said before the Lakers lost 126-102 to the Spurs. “And then it just flows in some sort of eternal circle of that. The Lakers have that with the city of Los Angeles.”
The team’s efforts extend beyond the game itself, with the Lakers banded together with all of L.A.’s professional sports teams to pledge more than $8 million toward local relief efforts. A donation drive was also started, collecting essential personal items and nonperishable food items at home games and practice facility.
Several Lakers players, including Anthony Davis, were forced to evacuate their homes due to the fires. Davis, who said he could see the flames through the windows in his home, was permitted to return later in the weekend. Despite the upheaval, Redick said the team became closer during the unplanned break in their game schedule.
“We definitely want to give a shoutout to the first responders who are putting their lives on the line right now to protect our community,” Lakers guard Gabe Vincent said before the game. The Clippers also showed their support, with team representatives covering every seat with giveaway white towels featuring the words “LA Strong” and a blue image of the state of California.
Coach Ty Lue said his team’s organization is “trying to do everything we can to help.” Redick, whose family is staying in a hotel while reeling from the loss of their Pacific Palisades home, thanked everyone inside and outside the Lakers organization who has offered support thus far.
