The Return of Basketball to Los Angeles Amidst Devastation
A Challenging Time for LA's Teams
In the wake of severe fires that have wreaked havoc across Los Angeles County, the NBA is ready to bring the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers back to the court. This Monday, basketball fans can expect the Lakers to face off against the San Antonio Spurs at the Crypto.com Arena. Meanwhile, the Clippers will resume their season by hosting the Brooklyn Nets at the newly minted Intuit Dome.
The fires have been nothing short of catastrophic, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Reports indicate 16 lives have been lost, and over 12,000 structures are now reduced to ruins. Approximately 150,000 residents have been uprooted, forced to evacuate as flames engulfed their homes. This includes some notable figures in the basketball community who have been deeply affected.
Personal Losses and Challenges
One such individual is Lakers' coach JJ Redick, who experienced the calamity firsthand. His rental home was among those destroyed. Reflecting on the aftermath, Redick poignantly remarked, "I was not prepared for what I saw. It's complete devastation and destruction. I had to go kind of a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village and it's all gone. I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that."
The devastation extended its reach beyond Redick’s personal losses. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, faced his own heartbreak when his childhood home fell victim to the flames. Fortunately, his 90-year-old mother was safely evacuated before disaster struck at her residence.
Impact on Players
The Clippers were also affected, with Kawhi Leonard taking a leave from basketball as the fires threatened his family's safety. Despite the challenges, Leonard made his much-anticipated return to the lineup, stepping back on the court on January 4. His rejoining the team is a silver lining for fans eagerly watching the Clippers’ performance as they aim to get back on track.
Games in Limbo
Amid these personal and community tragedies, the schedule reshuffling hasn’t yet concluded. Key games, such as the Lakers’ matchups against the Charlotte Hornets and the Spurs, and the Clippers’ game against the Hornets, have yet to be rescheduled. The league is working out the through logistics, ensuring safety remains a priority.
As the city picks up the pieces, the return of basketball provides a much-needed respite and, hopefully, a bit of healing through the universal language of sports. While the court action ramps up again, the backdrop of recovery serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and community spirit defining Los Angeles.