The Clippers welcome the Lakers to the new home for the first time in a game that represents hope

INGLEWOOD, California – Sunday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers had significance beyond the world of sports to give fans an escape and sense of hope as thousands have been devastated as the grueling and long road to recovery begins after the LA wildfires.

The night marked the first time the Clippers welcomed the Lakers to their new home, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. While there was plenty of purple and gold among the Lake of Navy and Red, Clipper Nation determined that the Intuit Dome was their home.

Whether this month’s fires affected fans directly or those they know, some fans were brought back to the reality of communities in ruins when the final buzzer beater went off.

Players, coaches affected by wildfires in LA

While many members of the two organizations will not face the same obstacles in the rebuilding process as the many who live in the fire zones, they were still affected on a deep emotional level.

JJ Redick

Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his home to the flames and talked about the memories and sentimental items that were lost.

“My son did an art project last year at St. Ann’s in Brooklyn, and it was a charcoal pencil painting of a lighthouse that we had framed above the stairs. You can never replace something like that — memories,” he said in a recent interview.

The family’s massive loss led to one of the league’s most heartfelt moments this season, when San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul gave their game-worn jerseys to Redick’s two sons.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lakers coach JJ Redick loses at home in LA forest fire, Lakers-Hornets game postponed

Kawhi Leonard

Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, fresh from injury, flew back to LA from Denver on January 8 to be with his family who had been evacuated. While Leonard’s family was surrounded by devastation, he was spared by the fire. TMZ reported.

LeBron James

LeBron James and his family, who live in Brentwood, were also evacuated.

“There have been a lot of emotions,” James said, as Jovan Buha of the Athletic reported. “I have a couple of dear friends who have lost their homes in the Palisades. Obviously, my heart goes out to all the families, not just across the (Pacific) Palisades, but throughout LA County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire and things like that, it’s been a lot of emotions.”

Rohan Ali

One person who doesn’t have the financial safety net of millions is Rohan Ali, who works as a videographer for the Lakers. He lost his childhood home in the Eaton fire. ONE GoFundMe page indicates he has received support from the Lakers – Anthony Davis donated $20,000, Joey Buss donated $10,000 and Jarred Vanderbilt gave $4,000.

Steve and Connie Ballmer donate to emergency fire

Clippers owner Steve Baller and his wife Connie donated $15 million to relief efforts. Mr. Ballmer also owns the Intuit Dome, which will host the FireAid Benefit concert on January 30.

RELATED COVERAGE:

A Matinee Matchup

There is some debate as to whether the Clippers and Lakers even have a rivalry, given that the men and the Purple and Gold have won 17 championships while the Clippers have yet to reach the Finals.

Snarky fans commented online that the Intuit Dome would serve as the Lakers’ second home, as would San Diego’s Petco Park, which is referred to as “Dodger Stadium South.”

The Clippers have undeniably exceeded expectations. While many analysts had them as a play-in team after the departure of Paul George and starting the season without Leonard, they currently have the 5th seed in the West.

Norman Powell is having a breakout season as he approaches what looks to be his first season as an All-Star, and James Harden has plenty left in the tank as he embraces his leadership role.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis is having a monster season, averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Davis missed Friday night’s game and was considered a game-time decision for Sunday’s game.

Davis was later cleared of foul play.

A time of resilience

Like the city and Angelenos, the teams are robust. It was five years ago when hearts across the globe were broken after the death of Kobe Bryant. While he was a legendary Laker, players and staff on both teams admired his game and continue to model their mindset based on the Mamba Mentality.

The head coaches of the Clippers and Lakers have a rarity in common in that they have a connection to both LA teams.

Lue began his 11-year career as a Laker, and Redick was a member of the “Lob City” Clippers from 2013-17.

Before the game, Lue offered the fans a message of hope.

“Hopefully we can put some smiles on our faces tonight … and just try to get people to come together, you know, (whether it’s households or whether it’s restaurants or whatever) to watch the games to take their minds off from that. But, you know, LA is a strong city, and it’s still going strong, and whatever we can do to support, we’re always going to do it as a team and as an organization.”

“LA just needs to stay strong,” Lue added.

Clippers vs. Lakers match result

The Los Angeles Clippers came out firing on all cylinders and ended the first half with a 64-49 lead.

In the third quarter, Lakers fans roared to give their guys a much-needed burst of energy, but again, this game took place in the Clippers’ home.

Leonard and Harden both reached notable milestones during Sunday’s game.

Harden officially stunned Oscar Robertson and moved into 14th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

As for Leonard, he surpassed 14,000 career points.

It’s worth noting that Harden and Leonard both grew up in LA and are embracing every second of playing in their hometown.

Game division

• 1st quarter: Clippers up 32-26
• 2nd quarter: Clippers up 64-49
• 3rd quarter: Clippers up 92-77
• 4th quarter: Clippers win 116-102

Game leaders

• Norman Powell scored 22 points for the Clippers, while Harden and Ivica Zubac had 21 each.
• LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points.

NBALos Angeles LakersLos Angeles ClippersSportsIntuit Dome