The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers both took their court Monday for the first time since devastating wildfires that killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures began to rage across the Los Angeles area last week.
The Lakers, who lost 126-102 to the San Antonio Spurs, had not played since Jan. 7 after postponing their games against Charlotte and San Antonio. The Clippers, whose game against Charlotte was postponed, hadn’t played since Jan. 8 before hosting the Heat on Monday in what ended up being a 109-98 victory.
Before their respective games, Lakers coach JJ Redick and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue spoke with reporters about returning to play after a handful of such horrible days.
Redick, whose family lost “everything we owned that was of any importance to us” after the house they were renting burned down, spoke about the beauty that can come from people rallying around each other in times of tragedy, the unique bond between Los Angeles and the Lakers and the role that sports can play providing a welcome distraction and diversion. source of “joy” in difficult times.
“I think a group works best when everyone draws strength from the others,” Redick said. “Then it’s our job to go and give strength and hope and joy. Sport is many things and sport can certainly provide an escape and a distraction and I hope that sport, and tonight, can also bring a little joy.
“Sports work really well when the team, the organization has a connection to the city and the fans feel a connection to the team. And then it flows in a sort of eternal circle. The Lakers have that with “Having played here before and lived here, I’m well aware of that relationship and part of the reason I wanted to coach here was to be a part of that.”
Lue also acknowledged the small role that returning to court and giving Los Angeles residents something to cheer about, even for a short time, can play in the healing process after an event like this.
“I hope this can bring a smile to some faces,” Lue said. “Don’t think about the devastating fires right now. Life experiences trump everything…that’s the most important thing. But hopefully we can get away for a few hours and enjoy some basketball.”
Lakers and Clippers pay tribute to victims, honor first responders
The Lakers held a donation drive outside their arena before the game and both teams are among the the 12 Los Angeles area sports teams who will collectively contribute more than $8 million to support victims in need.
Both teams recognized the tragedy of the fires with jerseys. The Lakers wore jerseys honoring first responders during pregame warmups.
The Clippers initiated a similar gesture with an “LA Strong” jersey given to fans seated at the new Intuit Dome.
Before the Lakers-Spurs game, California native Gabe Vincent spoke to the crowd to recognize the victims of the fires. Vincent also praised first responders “who risk their lives to protect our community” and emphasized coming together as a community.
Meanwhile, the Clippers turned to PA announcer Eric Smith to address their crowd.
“Our city has suffered unfathomable devastation. Homes have been destroyed, businesses and lives lost, communities changed forever. We are so grateful to the first responders, but we ache for the victims,” Smith said. “The smoke will clear and they will come back and rebuild, because this is Los Angeles. Today we are all united: one team, one Los Angeles.”
According to CBS NewsFires in the Los Angeles area have killed at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and burned more than 60 square miles.
