Los Angeles’ NBA team is returning home, hoping to provide a distraction from devastating wildfires

CNN
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Both of Los Angeles’ NBA teams returned to their respective home courts Monday night after having games postponed due to wildfires in the area.

The Los Angeles Lakers returned to Crypto.com Arena for their first home game since January 3rd, while the Los Angeles Clippers played their first game at the Intuit Dome since January 4th.

The Lakers had a pair of home games postponed last Thursday and Saturday, while the Clippers had a single home game postponed on Saturday.

Before the game against the Miami Heat, Lakers guard Gabe Vincent addressed the crowd at Crypto.com Arena.

“Just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge the tragedy that LA is dealing with at this time,” the Modesto, Calif., native said. “I speak on behalf of my teammates, this organization, our hearts go out to all those who have been affected.

“We definitely want to give a shout out to the first responders who are putting their lives on the line right now to protect our communities. I think it’s important in this time that we come together as a city, as a community , as a family and helping support those in need right now. Go Lakers!”

Lakers star LeBron James wore shoes in honor of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Over at the Intuit Dome, prior to the Clippers’ tipoff against the San Antonio Spurs, the lights dimmed as the loudspeaker read a heartfelt statement about the devastation of the fires and the city’s resilience as a message of “LA Strong” was displayed on the scoreboard.

Even as wildfires continue to threaten the Los Angeles area, members of the Clippers welcomed the opportunity to return to the court when they were told their home schedule would resume on Monday.

“When people lose their homes, kids lose schools, lose lives, it’s very hard to approach basketball because life is bigger than basketball,” head coach Tyronn Lue said Sunday.

“Hopefully we can bring some kind of joy with the game coming back tomorrow, and some unity and try to put some smiles on people’s faces in difficult times.”

Clippers forward Nicolas Batum admitted Sunday that his focus had been away from basketball, but he was also in favor of Monday’s game going ahead as planned.

“We’ve been through the crazy stuff for the last five days,” Batum said. “I think people might need it to take their mind off it for two, three hours.”

The LA teams’ homecoming comes on the same day the two franchises, along with 10 other professional sports organizations in Los Angeles, have pledged “a combined donation of more than $8 million” to fire victims and those fighting the fires.

The donation was announced in a joint statement along with Angel City FC, Angels, Chargers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Rams and Sparks.

The 12 teams have also teamed up with Fanatics to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to LA residents who have been forced to evacuate their homes.

In addition to the clothing items donated by Fanatics, teams are collectively contributing thousands more items such as personal hygiene kits, school supplies, sneakers that will be distributed at three upcoming events.

Evacuee victims of the fires with proof of residence in evacuated zip codes will be able to participate in the distribution events on January 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. PT at three locations – Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.

Last Friday, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced they are donating $1 million for “immediate relief” to several organizations helping wildfires, including the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen.

Lakers announced Sunday more efforts to help the community.

Beginning with Monday’s game, the team began a donation drive at their home games to “support the Los Angeles community and the relief efforts for the wildfires in Southern California.”

In addition, the Lakers will use their practice facility, the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., as a drive-thru donation center starting Tuesday.

Both the Lakers and Clippers will spend much of the rest of January at home.

After Monday night’s games, the Clippers will play five of their next six games at home. The Lakers will play four of their next five games at home, with their lone road game coming against the Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.