LA fires: Los Angeles Lakers game postponed by NBA along with Los Angeles Kings' NHL fixture
As of Thursday there were at least five wildfires raging across Los Angeles, with five people killed and 180,000 told to evacuate their homes; the NHL's Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night but the match was also postponed
Thursday 9 January 2025 22:25, UK
The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday due to several wildfires burning across the greater Los Angeles area.
It is the second-straight day a game slated to be played in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed. The NHL's Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.
The date for the rescheduled games will be announced at a later time. The Kings said tickets for their postponed game against Calgary will be good for the rescheduled date.
There are at least five wildfires raging in Los Angeles, fuelled by strong winds up to 100mph, with five people killed and 180,000 told to evacuate their homes.
The fires consume about 45 square miles (117 square kilometers), roughly the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is already the most destructive in Los Angeles' history.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who resides in the Palisades area, addressed the threat to his home before Tuesday's 118-97 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
"I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now," Redick said at the time. "It's where I live. My family and my wife's family, my wife's twin sister, they've evacuated.
"I know that a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. I hope everybody stays safe."
The Lakers said in a statement on Thursday: "We are heartbroken for Los Angeles. 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 most. We're with you, LA."
Lakers star LeBron James posted on social media earlier in the week that he was "praying for everyone" in the area.
Vikings-Rams set for LA despite fires but back-up plan in place
The Minnesota Vikings' wild-card playoff game against Los Angeles Rams is still due to be played at SoFi Stadium in California but a contingency plan is in place due to multiple ongoing wildfires around LA.
The Rams sent out a statement to season-ticket holders and fans on Thursday morning reiterating that Monday night's game remains as scheduled.
The NFL said on Wednesday evening that if the game had to be moved, it would take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2003, the league moved a Monday night regular-season game between the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, due to wildfires.
The Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers both train in areas not threatened by fires, but both teams are monitoring the air quality and its potential impact on their workouts.
The Chargers changed their practice schedule on Wednesday to minimize their players' outdoor time in coastal El Segundo.
The Chargers are leaving after practice on Thursday for Houston and their AFC wild-card matchup against the Texans on Saturday.
