The NBA has postponed Thursday’s game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets in Los Angeles due to the wildfires in the region, but the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams still expect their home playoff game on Monday to go ahead.
At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes during the disaster. Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his house in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles in the fires, ESPN reported on Thursday.
“We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most.”
New Zealand women’s national soccer team captain Ali Riley, who plays for NWSL side Angel City FC, said her home was among those burned in the Palisades fire.
“This was our home. How is this real. It can’t be real,” Riley posted on X, with a photo of a burned out neighborhood.
Five-time Olympic swimming champion Gary Hall Jr managed to escape the Palisades fire with his dog, his insulin and a few personal items before his rented home was lost in the blaze.
“He has also most likely lost his ten Olympic medals, but nothing can take away his spirit that won those medals,” a GoFundMe page set up for Hall said.
The Rams said their wildcard playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood remains scheduled to go ahead. The team previously said the game would be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona if necessary.
“The safety of the LA community is our top priority,” the Rams said. “As with all games, the NFL has contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed.”
