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.
This is the second day in a row that a game scheduled 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 of the postponement of the matches will be announced later. The Kings said tickets for their postponed game against Calgary will be good for the rescheduled date.
Lakers star LeBron James posted on social media about the fires
At least five wildfires are raging in Los Angeles, fueled by strong winds of up to 100 miles per hour, five people have died and 180,000 have been told to evacuate their homes.
The fires are burning about 45 square miles (117 square kilometers), about the size of San Francisco. The Palisades fire is already the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lives 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 my thoughts and prayers to everyone in Palisades right now,” Redick said at the time. “I live there. My family and my wife's family, my wife's twin sister, evacuated.
“I know 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 everyone stays safe.”
The Lakers said in a statement Thursday: “Our hearts are broken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude goes out to the first responders and to all of you who come together when we need it most.” we're yours, LA.”
Lakers star LeBron James posted on social media earlier this week that he was “praying for everyone” in the area.
Vikings-Rams head to LA despite wildfires, but back-up plan in place
The Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams playoff game is still scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium in California, but a contingency plan is in place due to multiple wildfires ongoing around LA.
The Rams sent a statement to season ticket holders and fans Thursday morning reiterating that Monday night's game remains on schedule.
SoFi Stadium is still expected to host the Minnesota Vikings' playoff game Monday against the Los Angeles Rams
The NFL announced Wednesday night that if the game has to be moved, it will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2003, the league moved a Monday night regular season game between the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona due to wildfires.
Both the Rams and Los Angeles Chargers practice in areas that are not threatened by the wildfires, but both teams are monitoring air quality and its potential impact on their practices.
The Chargers changed their practice schedule Wednesday to minimize their players' time outdoors in coastal El Segundo.
The Chargers head to Houston after practice on Thursday and their AFC wild card matchup against the Texans on Saturday.