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Lakers and Clippers to return to home games after LA fire

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers returned home on Monday for the first time since wildfires destroyed their city.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers returned home on Monday for the first time since wildfires destroyed their city.
KATELYN MULCAHYAFP

After a week of devastation across the Los Angeles area that saw fires destroy buildings, homes, and claim at least 24 lives, the local NBA teams finally returned home. A few players for the Los Angeles Lakers had to miss practice due to the disaster, and coach JJ Redick was among those to have lost his home and possessions in the wildfires.

Lakers and Clippers back at work

Due to the tragic fires, the Lakers and Clippers both had to have home games postponed - two for the Lakers and one for the Clippers. On Monday night, both teams had their first home games since the fires first tore through the city.

The Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs 126-102 at Crypto.com Arena, and the Clippers beat the Miami Heat 109-98 in their new stadium in Inglewood, the Intuit Dome.

Both teams experienced overwhelming support for their city during the games on Monday. The Lakers held a donation drive outside the arena ahead of the game. They, along with 12 other LA-based sports teams, are contributing more than $8 million combined towards local relief efforts.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: Signs report on a donation drive held by the Los Angeles Lakers to support the relief effort related to the local wildfires prior to the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.   Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: Signs report on a donation drive held by the Los Angeles Lakers to support the relief effort related to the local wildfires prior to the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)KATELYN MULCAHYAFP

There was a huge showing of support for the first responders at both the Lakers and Clippers games. The Clippers had white towels with the words “LA Strong” on every seat. in the stadium. The Lakers had “Thank you first responders” displayed on their scoreboard and had a moment of silence ahead of the game. Point guard Gabe Vincent spoke to the crowd.

“On behalf my teammates, this organization, our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this,” Vincent said. “We’d definitely like to give a shoutout to the first responders who are putting their lives on the line right now to protect our community. I think it’s important at this time that we come together as a city, as a community, as a family, to help support those that are in need right now.”

Despite the Lakers’ loss and the tragedy they went through, Lakers coach Redick and the players were happy to be back home.

“One thing we found out through the course of COVID, sports kind of brings joy back to people, even if it’s temporary,” said Lakers forward Anthony Davis. “We were eager to play basketball again in front of our fans. Definitely a tough situation in LA, and we appreciate everyone’s support from around the world.”

Redick also spoke to the uplifting spirit that sports can bring to a city after it’s gone through such a terrible tragedy.

“I think a group functions best when you draw strength from each other, and the way my players, my staff, the organization has supported, rallied around me, rallied around the city ... there’s real strength in that,” Redick said. “That’s the receiving of strength. Then it’s our job to go give strength and give hope and give joy. Sports are a lot of things, and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction. Hopefully sports tonight can provide some joy as well.

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