Kerr, Redick’s families displaced, Lakers-Hornets game called off due to raging brush fires

Sports

THE raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area have affected some of the big names in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The fast-moving flames have been so destructive that the Los Angeles Lakers cancelled their game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday (Philippine time), January 10.

“We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this unimaginable situation,” the Lakers said in a statement.

The team also thanked responders who helped contain the fire “and all of you who come together when we need each other the most.”

The Lakers added that they decided to cancel their game against the Hornets “to focus on what matters most today.”

The family of Lakers head coach JJ Redick was among those displaced by the devastating wildfires.

“Praying for everyone in Southern California,” Lakers star LeBron James said in a social media post.

The major brush fires also affected the 90-year-old mother of Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Kerr’s mother, Ann, was evacuated after her house in Pacific Palisades was razed.

“My mom is in good hands, but her house is gone,” Kerr said before the Warriors took on the Detroit Pistons on Friday. “I’ve been on the phone with my siblings quite a bit.”

Around 180,000 residents have fled Pacific Palisades, which is the hometown of Kerr.

At least five people have died and thousands of structures have been damaged or destroyed by the raging fires.

“All my friends who are from there pretty much all lost their homes — their family homes, their childhood homes. Our high school is gone. The town looks like it’s just been completely wiped out. It’s surreal and devastating. Fortunately, almost everyone escaped. But it’s hard to even fathom how Pacific Palisades rebuilds and how it becomes a thriving community again. It’s just shocking,” said Kerr.(CCM)