Wildfires in Los Angeles: Lakers game postponed, NFL emergency plans as coaches, athletes affected by fires

Three intense and destructive wildfires are raging in Southern California, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. The evacuation orders, which now include parts of the greater Los Angeles area, have resulted in tens of thousands of people having to leave their homes.

Of course, the fires also impact athletes and sporting events across the city.

The NFL has a contingency plan for the game between the Rams and Vikings

The NFL playoffs begin this weekend with the wild card round and the Los Angeles Rams will host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, about 10 miles southeast of where the Palisades Fire is burning, but the situation is evolving quickly.

The NFL said it planned to play the game as scheduled but announced a contingency plan Wednesday afternoon. If necessary, the game would be moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona – home of the Cardinals. It would still take place on Monday evening.

The NFL said in a statement that it would “continue to closely monitor developments” and “remain in contact with officials, both the clubs and the NFLPA.”

On Thursday, Rams head coach Sean McVay said he was expecting the game is scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams practiced in Woodland Hills, north of the Palisades Fire, and smoke could be seen coming from the facility on Thursday.

Lakers and Kings games postponed

The Lakers were scheduled to start a four-game homestand against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, but that game was postponed due to the wildfires. It will be rescheduled at a later date. The Lakers’ next game is scheduled for Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.

According to ESPN’s Shams CharaniaLakers coach JJ Redick, who lives in the Palisades, lost his home in the fires. On Tuesday, Redick said his family had to evacuate their home because of the encroaching fire and smoke. Redick and the Lakers were not in Los Angeles at the time, but in Texas to play against the Dallas Mavericks.

On Wednesday, the fires caused the Kings to postpone that evening’s home game against the Calgary Flames.

They share Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers as their home arena. The Clippers are scheduled to return from a road trip on Saturday to host the Hornets at their new arena in Inglewood.

Chargers collect supplies, money for disaster relief and animal rescue

The Chargers announced Wednesday that they are donating $200,000 to several organizations to support firefighting and recovery efforts, including the American Red Cross, the LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and several animal rescue organizations that are helping animals displaced by the fires accommodate”.

The Chargers are also asking people who can to bring supplies to previously scheduled fan events before their playoff game on Saturday. The Chargers will visit the Houston Texans in the wild card round.

Kawhi Leonard resigns from the Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left the team on Wednesday to be with his family, who were affected by the fires and evacuated.

Further details about his situation are not yet known. The Clippers will face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night at Ball Arena in Denver. They will return home for Saturday’s scheduled game against the Hornets.

Leonard has only played in two games for the Clippers this season. He made his debut last week after being sidelined this summer and the first half of the season with a long-term knee injury. It’s unclear how long Leonard will be away from the Clippers.

Steve Kerr’s family was also affected

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is also affected by the fires. His 90-year-old mother lives in Pacific Palisades and had to evacuate her home, as did Kerr said on Thursday that his childhood home burned down, as did his high school. Kerr also told reporters that Draymond Green’s home in the area appeared to have survived.

Kerr also said that Everett Dayton, who works for the Warriors in player development, grew up in Palisades and lost his childhood home.