The Los Angeles wildfires are impacting thousands out in California, and the Lakers are no exception.
The Lakers are coming home to California at the wrong time. After a two-game trip to Texas, the basketball club is arriving back in the state to find rampant wildfires impacting the area. The flames have thrown the status of Thursday’s game against the Hornets into question.
Los Angeles began postponing sports games on Wednesday, when the Kings vs. Flames NHL contest was postponed due to the fires. With Crypto.com Arena located right in the middle of Los Angeles, the fires caused the NHL to cancel the Wednesday night game. Both the Kings and Lakers share the facility.
Are the Lakers still playing Thursday? Here’s what to know about the game amid the Los Angeles wildfires.
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Is Lakers vs. Hornets playing today?
The Lakers vs. Hornets game on Thursday has been postponed, the NBA announced earlier in the day. It comes as a result of the devastating wildfires wiping through the state.
We’re with you, LA 💜 pic.twitter.com/PoROo4ycd9
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 9, 2025
Why was Lakers vs. Hornets postponed?
Los Angeles was set to host five consecutive games in a row starting on Jan. 9 — but that won’t be the case, as the Hornets contest has already been canceled.
It’s unclear when the game will be made up, or when Crypto.com Arena will be available again. The Lakers are scheduled to host two games in a row against the Spurs on Saturday, Jan. 11 and Monday, Jan. 13.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that his family was forced to evacuate the area due to the rampant flames.
MORE: Latest sports postponements, cancellations due to Los Angeles wildfires
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said before the Lakers’ loss to the Mavericks. “That’s where I live.
“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”
Where are the California fires?
The California wildfires are taking place in Los Angeles County. The cities impacted the most have been Los Angeles, Calabasas, Malibu and Pacific Palisades, along with Topanga Canyon.
Map of California fires 2025
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
