‘I’ve been completely gone’: LeBron James admits wildfires have taken a mental toll | LeBron James

LeBron James says the wildfires that have killed at least 25 people and destroyed thousands of homes have taken a toll on his mental health.

His Los Angeles Lakers had lost three straight before their home win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, and James acknowledged the fires had affected him personally. “I have a couple of dear friends who lost their homes in the Palisades,” James said. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all the families, not just across the Palisades, but throughout LA County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire. … It’s been a lot of emotions. A little bit off. Personally have I been free

“I’ve just been completely gone for obvious reasons, but hopefully things are contained or will continue to be contained. And hopefully at some point we can start to push forward and move on and put it behind us and rebuild our city, rebuild this beautiful city.”

The fires have disrupted the Lakers’ schedule, with the team forced into a six-day layoff before resuming play Monday, while the team’s coach, JJ Redick, lost his home to the fires. James said he hopes the team can offer some comfort to the city.

“I hope that by us going out on the floor and playing the way we played tonight … and hopefully the next couple of months or whatever it is, years until the city is back, that we as a Lakers franchise and the players playing for the Lakers gives a sense of hope and pride and excitement,” James said. “Sports have always given people an opportunity to temporarily forget everything they might have been through. And we’re such a big part of the LA community — along with a lot of other sports teams, but we know how important the Lakers are to the community — hopefully we can give that to a lot of families.”

James took time after the game to give one of his wristbands to a girl sitting courtside. He said he hopes such gestures will help the city as a whole.

“I think it’s going to be something that hopefully she’ll never forget,” James said. “I’m happy to be a part of her life now and that tiny little moment, but such a bigger moment. And hopefully she brags about it at school.”