The days are getting harder for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as they resume play amid the devastating aftermath of wildfires ravaging the region. Having called Los Angeles home for seven years, James faced his second evacuation due to fire-related emergencies.
In 2019, James and his family were forced to leave their Brentwood residence around 1:30 a.m. during the Getty fire. With only a credit card and his passport in hand, he struggled to find accommodations, visiting three fully booked hotels before finally securing a room.
Fast forward to last Thursday, James and his family once again faced evacuation due to the Palisades fire, which ignited two days earlier, consuming over 23,000 acres. As of Wednesday evening, the fire was only 21 percent contained.
“Obviously, there’s been a lot of emotions,” James remarked after the Lakers secured a 117-108 victory against the Miami Heat. He expressed concern for friends who lost their homes in the Palisades, extending his thoughts to families across not just the Palisades but all of Los Angeles County affected by the fires.
“It’s been a lot of emotions. Personally, I’ve been off. My family and I have been evacuated since Thursday night, so I’ve been in a hotel since pretty much when we got back from Dallas. We’re just figuring it out and staying strong for one another. That’s the most important thing.”
Among those affected is Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lost his one-year rental in the Pacific Palisades just over a week ago. Initially in shock, Redick now faces the emotional toll of losing family possessions and the logistical challenges of finding a new home.
“The days are getting harder,” Redick admitted, recalling how he initially operated in “fight or flight mode,” prioritizing his family’s safety. Now, he grapples with the reality of housing shortages and rising prices. “We’re still at the hotel. We don’t have a place to stay as of next week.”
The toll of the Palisades and Eaton fires has been significant, with at least 25 fatalities reported, over 30 individuals missing, and more than 200,000 people evacuated. The destruction has claimed over 12,000 structures, leaving countless families in despair.
As a resident of Los Angeles, the author has witnessed the community’s heartbreak firsthand. Friends have lost childhood homes, while others face the challenge of caring for elderly relatives displaced by the fires.
Within the Lakers organization, videographer Rohan Ali is reeling after his parents lost their home in Altadena due to the Eaton fire. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $84,000 for their recovery, including a generous $20,000 donation from teammate Anthony Davis.
The air quality remains hazardous, with ash blanketing the area and wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. The threat of further wildfires looms, as the weather service warns of potential red flag conditions returning next week.
The devastation extends beyond homes, affecting wildlife and the natural landscape that defines Los Angeles. Businesses have burned down, and entire communities have been displaced.
Amid the chaos, the NBA postponed two Lakers and Clippers games, but the seasons resumed on Monday, providing a much-needed distraction for Angelenos. Outside Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers are collecting donations for fire victims, while all 12 professional sports teams in Los Angeles have united to contribute $8 million for recovery efforts.
A heartwarming moment occurred during a recent game when a young girl was captured on camera, overwhelmed with emotion after LeBron waved at her. The video quickly went viral, showcasing the power of connection and joy amidst the ongoing struggles.
“To have that type of connection with someone, where they can have that type of reaction, I think that’s what it’s all about,” James reflected. After the game, he approached the girl, gifting her one of his I Promise wristbands and taking photos together.
This moment of joy stands in stark contrast to a week filled with fear and heartbreak, reminding everyone of the resilience and spirit of the Los Angeles community.
