The NBA has shared an update about the upcoming LA Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets scheduled for January 9. The league has announced that the game against the will proceed as scheduled despite concerns over ongoing wildfires near Los Angeles. League officials confirmed they are closely monitoring air quality and safety conditions, ensuring the game at Crypto.com Arena remains unaffected. While the wildfires have prompted health advisories in surrounding areas, downtown Los Angeles has not been significantly impacted.
The LA Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets game will proceed as scheduled
LA Lakers vs Charlotte Hornets. Image via: NBA
The NBA has recently announced the status of the highly anticipated upcoming Los Angeles Lakers game against the Charlotte Hornets. Fans have been waiting for an update for the game as a devastating wildfire has grappled several parts of Los Angeles affecting over 30,000 residents. As the game is scheduled for January 9 amid the raging wildfire in Crypto.com Arena situated in Los Angeles, California, fans have raised their concerns questioning if the game would continue as planned.
In a recent update, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared a statement from NBA spokesman Mike Bass addressing the game. “We are in communication with the Lakers and Hornets and continue to closely monitor the situation to determine if any scheduling adjustments are necessary related to tomorrow night’s game,” Bass said.
The decision was made to balance public safety with the league’s commitment to maintaining the current season schedule.
However, the match could be postponed if the situation in the area worsens, it would largely depend on the hours before the game. Continuing the game in Los Angeles may not be a good idea as air quality and other factors could largely affect the players of both teams and the fans on the courtside.
Southern California brush fires have spread to key areas, including Pacific Palisades, a coastal Los Angeles neighborhood. Another fire broke out in the Eaton Canyon area near Altadena which has triggered mandatory evacuations. Late Tuesday, the Hurst Fire flared up in Sylmar, further straining emergency crews.
The National Weather Service warns that winds will intensify early Wednesday, with gusts reaching 80 mph. Mountain and foothill areas could see isolated gusts topping 100 mph. Firefighters face challenging conditions as high winds heighten the risk of rapid fire spread.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NWS Los Angeles warned, “Widespread damaging north to northeast winds and extreme weather conditions will continue through mid-afternoon. Downed trees and power lines, power outages, hazardous driving conditions, increased traffic, and airport delays should be expected across the Southland. Any wildfires that start will likely spread rapidly with extreme fire behavior.”
Reportedly, over 1,000 structures were destroyed, and five fatalities were confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Three major fires, including the two largest, remained completely uncontained.
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The Palisades Fire was fueled by strong winds in northwest Los Angeles. At least 30,000 residents in Pacific Palisades were forced to evacuate. Meanwhile, the Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Sunset fires continued burning. The Woodley Fire in the Sepulveda Basin was quickly contained after burning 30 acres.
Several NBA stars and coaches have been affected by the raging wildfire which includes LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and LA Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
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