The NBA is stepping up with a major $1 million donation to help those hit hard by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
The money will go straight to organizations on the ground – including the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen – that are providing immediate relief to affected communities.
Both LA teams – the Lakers and Clippers – have had to put basketball on hold. Their Saturday home games were postponed as the region battles the fires.
It’s not just about the games. The human toll is becoming clear, especially within the NBA family.
Lakers coach JJ Redick and his family lost everything when their rented Pacific Palisades home burned down Tuesday night. "I was not prepared for what I saw," Redick shared. "It’s complete devastation and destruction… Our home is gone."
The basketball community is rallying together. Lakers star Anthony Davis pitched in $20,000 to help longtime team videographer Rohan Ali, whose childhood home in Altadena was destroyed. Teammate Jarred Vanderbilt added $4,000 to the cause.
This isn’t the first schedule shake-up – the Lakers already had to postpone Thursday’s game against Charlotte. No makeup dates have been announced yet.
The NBA says it’s working closely with local officials in Los Angeles and Inglewood. They’re making sure no resources get pulled away from the firefighting efforts.
Looking ahead, both LA teams are supposed to be back in action Monday – the Lakers hosting the Spurs and the Clippers taking on the Heat.
The Clippers are optimistic about next week’s games going forward but emphasized that community safety comes first. "The health and safety of our community and our fans remains our highest priority," the team stated.
The NBA says it’s already planning with both LA teams for longer-term assistance once the immediate crisis passes.
