Kawhi Leonard steps away from Clippers due to fires in California

On By Littum

Kawhi Leonard has walked away from the Clippers to be with members of his family, who were forced to evacuate their home with the inferno raging across Southern California, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

Leonard will miss a game in Denver after flying back to Los Angeles.

The Post previously reported that about 30,000 Californians have been forced to evacuate their homes because of the wildfires that broke out on Tuesday.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Fire trucks line the streets as high winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate. Reuters

By Wednesday, wind gusts of up to 100 mph had spread the flames across more than 2,900 acres (4.5 square miles), and local authorities are now battling four large, separate fires.

According to reports, the fire has claimed at least two lives.

The chaos prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency, and the major North American sports leagues are also monitoring the situation.

Wednesday night’s matchup between the Kings and the Flames, which would have been played at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, has been postponed by the NHL.

Spot fires along a hillside are burning the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. AP
Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers arrives at the arena before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in January. NBAE via Getty Images

In addition, the NFL is monitoring the situation with the Rams-Vikings wild card round scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles.

“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,” the league said.

On Tuesday, Lakers coach JJ Redick revealed to reporters that his family evacuated the area before his team lost to the Mavericks in Dallas.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks. Getty Images

“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they have evacuated,” he said. “I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the wind coming (Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure and hope everyone stays safe.”

Leonard, a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, is in his 13th professional season.

The 33-year-old guard has played in just two games so far for the Clippers in 2024-25 because of inflammation in his right knee, which he has been rehabbing for several months.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Leonard previously missed the Clippers’ final eight games of the 2023-24 regular season and four of six playoff games because of the inflammation.

Knee injuries have hampered the star for much of his career, especially in Los Angeles.

An ACL tear sidelined Leonard for the entire 2021-22 season, and his 2023 playoff run with the Clippers was cut short by a meniscus injury.