Luka Doncic donates $ 500,000 to fire help bets before Lakers debuts

Many prominent athletes and deep ties with deep ties to the Los Angeles area have donated large amounts to Wildfire Relief efforts. However, the latest donation is from a superstar athlete who was not even a member of a local team when the fires raged from 7-31 January.

Five-Gang All-NBA-Guard Luka Doncic, acquired by Lakers from Dalla’s Mavericks in a Blockbuster deal on February 1st, announced Monday on Instagram that He has pledged $ 500,000 through his foundation for fire -winding efforts And that he “plans to work with local organizations to help rebuild playgrounds ruined by fires.

“We are obliged to help children in affected communities come back to play and be children,” said Instagram -post.

Almost a month ago, LA Sports team donated a total of $ 8 million to Wildfire Relief. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who has lived in southern California since signing with the angels in 2018, gave $ 500,000. Freddie Freeman, a Dodger since 2022, donated $ 300,000. Chris Taylor’s CT3 Foundation held a fundraising event and advertised on Instagram that it’s Matching donations up to $ 5,000.

And the biggest donors were Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, who “dedicated a first $ 15 million in emergency financing for the many people influenced by these fires, especially in the historical, racially different society of Altadena,” The city destroyed by Eaton Fire.

Fireaid Benefit Concert on January 30 was held at Clippers’ Home Arena, Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, both owned by Ballmers.

Comments on Doncic’s donation were overwhelmingly positive, and many seemed to be from fans of Hans from the Dallas area.

“That’s why Dallas loves him so much – because he has a real heart. ”wrote a fan.

“This is the real reason why Dallas is so sad to lose Luka. Goes so much beyond the court, it was 177% about culture and society, ”another wrote.

Doncic, which is an average of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists a game this season, has not yet played a game for Lakers because he is recovering from a calf injury. He is listed as likely to debut Monday night against Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena.

According to Doncic’s post, the $ 500,000 donation will be made Monday to the Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund “to have an immediate influence while the need is so great.”

The fund also promised to donate “significant additional financing in the next two years to help ensure that children who have lost their playroom – what Luka calls his ‘peace of peace’ – is able to get back in the playground, field or the court or court as soon as possible for their mental and physical well -being.