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Mavericks fans ejected over 'Fire Nico' protests amid growing animosity over Luka Doncic trade

11 February 2025 at 14:46

There was an exodus of disgruntled Dallas Mavericks fans at American Airlines Center on Monday night as security was seen escorting several people out of the arena after they called for general manager Nico Harrison’s job following the Luka Doncic trade. 

Security escorted out several fans that either held up "Fire Nico" signs or shouted out the phrase during the Mavericks’ one-point loss to the Sacramento Kings.

During a karaoke segment where fans sang along to Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," one man was shown on the Jumbotron mouthing the phrase "Fire Nico." 

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The camera quickly panned away. 

That same man was also seen holding a sign with the same phrasing. He and another man holding the sign were later seen being escorted away from their seats in a video shared on social media. 

According to The Dallas Morning News, two more fans were escorted out in the fourth quarter. Each time, the escorts were met by boos from fans in the surrounding area. 

MAVERICKS GM GETTING BOOST IN SECURITY FOR FIRST HOME GAME SINCE LUKA DONČIĆ TRADE AFTER DEATH THREATS: REPORT

Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season and helped the Mavericks reach an NBA Finals appearance, but was dealt away to the Los Angeles Lakers in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory. 

Fans have since expressed their disdain for Harrison, the mastermind behind the trade, prompting the organization to reportedly increase his security before Saturday’s game over the weekend. 

The Lakers acquired Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks got Anthony Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. To complete the deal, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

But Davis sustained a groin injury in his debut for Dallas and will be sidelined at least through the All-Star break.  

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report. 

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Luka Doncic makes Lakers debut after blockbuster trade

11 February 2025 at 06:43

The anticipation for Los Angeles Lakers fans ended on Monday night as Luka Doncic made his debut in purple and gold at the Crypto.com Arena against the Utah Jazz.

Doncic played 24 minutes as all but one Lakers star played under 30 (Austin Reaves). He made the most of it, scoring 14 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. He was plus-15 while on the floor and 5-of-14 from the field.

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He had not played since Christmas due to an injury and then was the main part of a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. As fans received Doncic T-shirts, and he stepped onto the floor with LeBron James, Doncic admitted he was a "little nervous."

"I (don’t remember) the last time I was nervous before the game. But once I stepped on the court again, it was fun. Just being out there, it felt amazing," he said after the game.

The Lakers won the game 132-113.

MAVERICKS' ANTHONY DAVIS SUFFERS INJURY IN DEBUT FOLLOWING BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

"Just the amount of cheering there was in the arena was absolutely unbelievable," Doncic said. "That was my favorite part — and to play again."

As the season wears on, Doncic’s chemistry with James is going to be a key factor. The Lakers moved to 32-19 on the year with the win and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference. Being out of the play-in tournament will be a key for the team.

"Knowing Luka, whether he will admit this or not, there was probably a little bit of nerves playing for the Lakers for the first time, and the anticipation that this building had," Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said. "I thought he handled it really well, and he played really well tonight. ... He didn’t make it about Luka. He made it about playing good basketball and playing Laker basketball."

Los Angeles will head to Utah to play the Jazz again before the All-Star break begins.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Kamala Harris receives icy reaction at Lakers game while fans call out unimpressive seats

8 February 2025 at 09:47

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was spotted at a Los Angeles Lakers game this week and appeared to receive a rather icy reaction from fans in attendance on Thursday night. 

Videos shared on social media showed Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, walking to their seats at the Crypto.com Arena for Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. 

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Social media users pointed out Harris’ seats, which appeared several rows up from the court, and the overall lack of reception as Harris and Emhoff made their way up. 

Comedian Jeff Dye, who was in attendance, shared a video of Harris' and Emhoff’s seats. 

"Kamala Harris is at the Lakers Warriors game in like row 58. Should’ve saved some of that money. @KamalaHarris @DouglasEmhoff," he said in a post shared on X. "lol. What a world." 

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"Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff arrive at the Lakers game. Pretty much nobody cared," one user wrote on X. 

"Crowd is completely unfazed," another commented. 

"The crowd’s unenthusiastic response says it all," one post read. 

LUKA DONCIC TRADE HAS NFL STARS DUMBFOUNDED AT SUPER BOWL LIX: 'IT'S LIKE TRADING LAMAR'

Following Harris’ failed campaign, speculation about the former vice president’s future in politics has linked her to a possible California gubernatorial bid in 2026.

Prior to Thursday’s NBA game, Harris visited areas damaged by the Palisades wildfires and spoke with displaced residents at a Red Cross shelter. 

That same day, when speaking with reporters, Harris appeared to dodge the rumors about her future political endeavors. 

"I have been home for two weeks and three days," Harris said. "My plans are to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders and figure out what I can do to support them."

When pressed further, Harris responded that she "would be here no matter what office I hold, because it is the right thing to do."

Fox News Digital's Rachel Wolf contributed to this report. 

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Disgruntled Mavericks fans protest Luka Doncic trade with symbolic funeral outside team's arena

3 February 2025 at 06:23

How are Dallas Mavericks fans dealing with the trade of their superstar guard Luka Doncic? 

Well, some are taking mourning to another level. 

Going through it was an understatement for a group of fans that was spotted at American Airlines Center in Dallas hosting a funeral, or perhaps a protest, after one of the most shocking trades in professional sports history. 

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Yes, it was a funeral as several fans, dressed in black suits, carried a blue coffin to the steps in front of the arena, where Doncic shirts, jerseys and more were spread out.

"Why?!" one of the men carrying the coffin screamed into the area while Wiz Khalifa’s "See You Again" played over a speaker, per Dallas News.

Mavericks fans may not be going to the extreme as this group did on Sunday, but many are still in shock, and even denial, after the trade went down late Saturday night. 

The trade sent Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal. 

The NBA world could not believe Doncic, the five-time All-Star who was named Western Conference Finals MVP last season during the team’s Finals run while leading the NBA in scoring (33.9 points), was traded by the franchise who took him third overall in 2018. At just 25 years old, Doncic remains one of the key pieces of the game’s future. 

Even Doncic appeared slighted by the trade after writing a farewell note to Mavericks fans just hours after the trade, which some believed was a fake on social media when reports dropped, became official. 

He did not mention the team’s name at all – only showing love to the fan base. 

"Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level," Doncic wrote. "I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.

"In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.

"To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.

"Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

Reaction to the trade was immense when it went down, and Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, who is preparing for potential NFL history this week at Super Bowl LIX, had time to share his "sick" thoughts about it. 

"Wait what? I’m sick rn…." Mahomes, a Texas native who was spotted at this past season’s NBA Finals rooting for the Mavericks, wrote on X.

Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas after exiting the game with a strained left calf. With the trade, he is now prevented from signing a five-year supermax contract extension that would have been worth $345 million. He can, however, sign an extension with a maximum payout of $230 million. 

Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke about the trade on Sunday, with his mindset about this shocking trade being a win-now move. Additionally, with the contract looming, Harrison made a judgment call that could alter the franchise – for better or for worse.

"There’s other teams that were loading up," he explained. "He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer."

Dallas, without Doncic, dynamic guard Kyrie Irving and Davis not yet in uniform, was embarrassed by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, 144-101, on the road. 

The Mavericks are 26-24 on the season, which is good for ninth in the Western Conference. 

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Luka Doncic snubs Mavericks in farewell note to Dallas fans after blockbuster trade

2 February 2025 at 17:37

Luka Doncic penned a farewell letter to Dallas Mavericks fans on Sunday, hours after the team traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster that shook the NBA world.

The Lakers acquired Doncic and Maxi Kleber in a deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal.

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Doncic is a five-time All-Star and five-time First Team All-NBA. He’s averaging 28.1 points per game. 

He was the face of the Mavericks since the team acquired him in the NBA Draft from the Atlanta Hawks. The 25-year-old is among the up-and-coming stars who are expected to be the face of the league – if not already are. It’s why the trade itself was incredibly stunning.

Doncic thanked the fans for their support. He made no mention of the team itself.

"Seven years ago, I came here as a teenager to pursue my dream of playing basketball at the highest level," Doncic wrote. "I thought I’d spend my career here and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship. The love and support you all have given me is more than I could have ever dreamed of. For a young kid from Slovenia coming to the U.S. for the first time, you made North Texas feel like home.

CHIEFS' PATRICK MAHOMES 'SICK' OVER MAVERICKS' LUKA DONCIC TRADE

"In good times and bad, from injuries to the NBA Finals, your support never changed. Thank you not only for sharing my joy in our best memories, but also lifting met up when I needed it most.

"To all the organizations I’ve worked with throughout the Dallas community, thank you for letting me contribute to your important work and join you in bringing light to those who need it. As I start the next part of my basketball journey, I am leaving a city that will always feel like a home away from home.

"Dallas is a special place, and Mavs fans are special fans.

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

Doncic will now team up with LeBron James and the Lakers as they pursue another NBA championship.

"Grateful for this amazing opportunity," he added in a post to his Instagram Stories. "Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy passion and goal – to win championships."

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Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes 'sick' over Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade

2 February 2025 at 14:28

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was like the rest of the sports world on early Sunday morning when he learned the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers acquired the five-time All-Star, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the trade, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifinio and a future second-round pick.

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"I’m sick rn…." Mahomes wrote on X.

He was far from the only one who was shocked over the deal.

Doncic had been out of the Mavericks’ lineup since Christmas when he exited the game with a strained left calf. He is now prevented from signing a five-year supermax contract extension that would have been worth $345 million. He’s still eligible for a lucrative extension with the max being $230 million.

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"There’s other teams that were loading up," Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said Sunday. "He was going to be able to make his own decision at some point of whether he wants to be here or not, whether we want to supermax him or not, or whether he wants to opt out. We had to take all that into consideration and I feel like we got out in front of what could have been a tumultuous summer."

Doncic is only 25 and has been one of the top players since Dallas acquired him in a draft day trade with the Atlanta Hawks in 2018.

He’s averaging 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. He finished third in NBA MVP voting last year.

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LeBron James breaks silence on blockbuster trade by refuting report he was 'frustrated' with now ex-teammate

2 February 2025 at 10:19

While most were sleeping, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster that led to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis swapping teams.

The deal is perhaps one of the most star-studded ever, as it's the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were traded midseason.

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There are lots of questions that need to be answered, primarily on the Dallas side of things, as it's shocking a team would trade a 25-year-old MVP candidate with global starpower fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.

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However, one report from CBS Sports said LeBron James "had grown frustrated" with Davis, who is averaging over 25 points and a dozen rebounds while playing elite defense.

James' Lakers defeated the Knicks shortly before the trade broke, but James has not spoken to reporters about the move yet (Davis was inactive), but James did see the report on X, and broke his silence matter of factly.

"You a [f---ing] lie," James wrote on X, adding Pinocchio and clown emojis.

KEVIN DURANT SAYS TEAMS AREN'T HELD TO SAME 'LOYALTY' EXPECTATIONS AS PLAYERS ARE AFTER STUNNING NBA TRADE

James is said to have found out about the trade shortly before the news broke on X while he was out to dinner with his family following L.A.'s victory. It's being reported that the Mavs only reached out to the Lakers, and would only acquire Davis if it meant moving Dončić. Other than the organizations facilitating the trade, it's said that no one else knew what was going on behind the scenes.

The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won't turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

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Kevin Durant says teams aren't held to same 'loyalty' expectations as players are after stunning NBA trade

2 February 2025 at 09:50

Sunday morning's Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis swap is being widely regarded as the most shocking and star-powered trade in sports history.

It's so big that it was believed that ESPN's Shams Charania, who broke the story, was hacked, and other reporters reached out to him to make sure his X account was secure.

But alas, the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade a 25-year-old MVP candidate just months after he carried them to an NBA Finals appearance in an attempt to improve their defense.

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The Mavs traded up to the third pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to select Dončić, whose $207 million extension from 2021 is set to expire this season. Being due for a super-max deal worth $345 million, it's apparent that it played a role in Dončić being moved five days before the NBA's trade deadline.

Kevin Durant has been traded before – it's slightly different, as he requested to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns (he also left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, and them jumped ship to Brooklyn). But Durant called out NBA teams for their lack of loyalty to their stars, while it's expected that players be loyal to them - 

"Players are held to a different standard of loyalty and commitment to a program, but the organizations don't get held to that same standard from the outside world, the media members, the fans. We all should be held to that same standard," Durant said upon hearing the news.

2024-25 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: THUNDER FAVORED; LAKERS RISE AFTER DONČIĆ TRADE

"It's a transactional game. There's a lot of money involved, a lot of business involved. We shouldn't be too shocked about trades and guys moving to different teams, coaches moving to different teams. It's just the nature of playing basketball and us making this much money, too. It's a pretty wild time, especially around trade deadline."

After this megadeal, Durant says the stove could be hot in the NBA.

"You start seeing stuff like that, as an organization, you might get a little more courage to do some stuff. You see another team trade away somebody like that. This got to be the biggest trade I've seen since I've been in the league or since I've been watching the sport. This is insane. So yeah, every other team might get confidence and say f--- it, I'll trade a few of my top players if this ain't working."

It's the first time in NBA history two reigning All-NBA players were traded for one another midseason. 

The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick. To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won't turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

Davis, a defensive player of the year candidate last year, is putting up 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, both slightly better than his career averages of 24.2 and 10.7.

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Lakers, Mavericks pull off wild blockbuster as Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis swap teams: reports

2 February 2025 at 08:45

The NBA world was hit with perhaps the craziest trade in a generation in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks came to an agreement to swap Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis as part of a three-team blockbuster deal.

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The Lakers received Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, while the Mavericks took on Davis, Max Christie and Los Angeles' 2029 first-round pick.

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To settle it all out, the Utah Jazz acquired Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks.

ESPN's Shams Charania broke the trade early Sunday morning, and because of the star power involved, the immediate reaction was that the reporter had been hacked. However, it was later confirmed by multiple other outlets.

Charania reported that the Mavs approached Los Angeles recently, saying their 25-year-old global superstar was available via trade; Dallas general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN that he was concerned about the team's defense, which is now massively improved by replacing Dončić with Davis.

2024-25 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: THUNDER FAVORED; LAKERS RISE AFTER DONČIĆ TRADE

But Dončić is a phenomenon, and a young one at that. The Slovenian led the NBA with 33.4 points per game last season and won't turn 26 until later this month. In his career, he averages 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, putting himself in the MVP conversation every year of his young career.

It was also reported that LeBron James did not find out about the trade until shortly before the news broke, while he was out to dinner in New York shortly after his Lakers defeated the New York Knicks. Davis was ruled inactive for the game.

Davis, a defensive player of the year candidate last year, is putting up 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds this season, both slightly better than his career averages of 24.2 and 10.7.

The Mavericks lost in the NBA Finals last year, and Dončić received some criticism for his defense and attitude. Perhaps there is more to the story than what's public right now.

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Bronny James scores career-high during Lakers' G League affiliate team victory

25 January 2025 at 18:38

Bronny James is NBA great LeBron James' oldest son, which placed a spotlight on the 20-year-old rookie. 

In October, Bronny was part of history when he checked into the Los Angeles Lakers season opener and played alongside his father. It marked the first active father-son duo in league history. Shortly after his NBA debut, the Lakers announced the youngest James would split his time between the NBA franchise and their G League affiliate — the South Bay Lakers.

Bronny does not travel with the team for road games, but he was on hand for South Bay's game against Rip City Remix — the Portland Trail Blazers G League affiliate — in El Segundo, California on Jan. 24. James had a game to remember on Friday, finishing South Bay's 122-110 win with a career-best 31 points. 

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His strong performance on the offensive end of the basketball court was highlighted by a monster slam dunk. James also made five of his eleven 3-point attempts. 

LEBRON JAMES PICKED FOR 21ST STRAIGHT ALL-STAR GAME, EXTENDING NBA RECORD

A screen from center Christian Koloko allowed James to pick up his dribble and throw down the highlight-reel worthy dunk over Rip City’s Sterling Manely. The dunk also tied the game and sparked a 9-4 South Bay run.

James spoke about his confidence after the game.

"I’m just trying to get my confidence back," James told a reporter during his on-court interview. "I’m just trying to play my game. Learn from every game. While I’m not playing in the G League, learn from the Lakers, learning from my vets and just keep trying to be myself. That’s been working recently. I’m happy with my results."

"I am having fun," James responded when asked about the spotlight that's been placed on him.  "Any time I'm playing basketball, any time I'm out here breathing, any time I'm out here walking ... I'm grateful for everything."

The win improved South Bay's record to 2-7.

Bronny’s four-time NBA champion took notice of his son’s heroics. "GRATEFUL OF YOU KID!!" the elder James wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the game.

James likely will not get the call to rejoin the NBA team until next month. The Lakers are in the midst of a road trip and return to Southern California for a cross-town game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4.

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NBA's Lakers, Clippers home games to resume on Monday after weekend games postponed amid wildfires

13 January 2025 at 04:48

The NBA announced that home games for both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers would resume on Monday, after both teams had games originally scheduled for Saturday postponed due to the wildfires sweeping through Southern California.

The Lakers will host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles while the Clippers will host the Miami Heat at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, south of the Palisades fire.

The Clippers said at practice Sunday that the league had given the green light for Monday's game. The Spurs said they were told that Monday's matchup with the Lakers would be played as scheduled.

Saturday's games in Southern California, in which the Lakers were initially scheduled to host the Spurs in the first of two consecutive games between the two teams and the Clippers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets, were postponed in response to the fires. The Lakers also had a game previously scheduled for Thursday against the Hornets pushed back.

NBA POSTPONES SATURDAY'S LAKERS-SPURS, CLIPPERS-HORNETS GAMES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DUE TO WILDFIRES

"I pray this nightmare ends soon!" Lakers star forward LeBron James wrote Saturday on the social media platform X.

The Spurs had to change hotels due to fire concerns after arriving in Los Angeles, while the Heat arrived on Saturday night as scheduled.

The Lakers and Clippers also are both scheduled to host games on Wednesday, when the Lakers play host to the Heat and the Clippers play the Brooklyn Nets.

"When people are losing their homes, kids are losing schools, losing lives, it’s very difficult to approach the game of basketball because life is bigger than basketball," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters. "Hopefully we can bring some kind of joy with the game coming back tomorrow and some togetherness and try to put some smiles on people’s faces in tough times."

LEBRON JAMES SENDING 'SO MANY PRAYERS' AS LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES CONTINUE

Clippers' guard Terance Mann plans to search through a storage unit he keeps for useful items he intends to donate.

"I just want to give a lot of clothes, some money, shoes, whatever I can," he said. "I’m going to go help people out and donate and drive around and do what I can do to help."

Some members of the Clippers organization were forced to evacuate their homes during the fires. The team was on the road when the fires began, and star forward Kawhi Leonard left the team in Denver to help his family in Pacific Palisades evacuate.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said his family's rental home in Pacific Palisades burned on Tuesday night, destroying most of their belongings.

"I was not prepared for what I saw," Redick said Friday. "It’s complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village, and it’s all gone. I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that. Our home is gone."

The Lakers announced a donation drive for their upcoming games, starting Monday. The team has urged fans to bring new, in-the-package items to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s relief efforts.

The team's UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo will be used as a drive-thru donation center starting Tuesday, with essential non-food items listed as priorities, but packaged food items are also welcomed.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, which is the players' union, announced on Friday a $1 million donation for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations working to provide assistance to the victims and recovery efforts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NBA postpones Saturday's Lakers-Spurs, Clippers-Hornets games in Southern California due to wildfires

11 January 2025 at 02:51

The NBA announced that Saturday's home games for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers have been postponed amid the wildfires sweeping through Southern California.

The Lakers were scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs while the Clippers were set to host the Charlotte Hornets.

The league has not yet announced makeup dates for the two games, and the league did not disclose if more games will be affected by the fires, as both teams have home games scheduled for Monday and Wednesday and the Lakers have another home game on Friday. The two teams are also supposed to play each other in Inglewood, California, on Jan. 19, when the Clippers will host.

CLIPPERS' KAWHI LEONARD LEAVES TEAM TO HELP FAMILY DEAL WITH RAGING WILDFIRES: REPORT

"The NBA and the Clippers and Lakers organizations have been in communication with local officials in Los Angeles and Inglewood about the ongoing situation in the Los Angeles area and the game postponements ensure no resources will be diverted from the wildfire response efforts," the league said in a statement.

Some members of both teams are directly dealing with the impacts of the wildfires, including Lakers coach JJ Redick, whose family's rental home in Pacific Palisades burned on Tuesday night, destroying many of their belongings.

"I was not prepared for what I saw," Redick told reporters. "It’s complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village, and it’s all gone. I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that. Our home is gone."

'I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR WHAT I SAW': LAKERS COACH JJ REDDICK DETAILS DEVASTATION FROM PALISADES FIRE

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, which is the players' union, announced on Friday a $1 million donation for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations working to provide assistance to the victims and recovery efforts.

The donation was meant "to support those affected by this disaster," the league said, adding that it is "working with the Lakers and Clippers on ways to support longer term assistance and rebuilding efforts."

The Lakers also had a game previously scheduled for Thursday against the Hornets postponed as well, but it has not yet been rescheduled.

The Lakers are scheduled to host the Spurs again on Monday, when the Clippers are set to host the Miami Heat. On Wednesday, the Lakers are scheduled to host the Heat and the Clippers are scheduled to host the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers are also slated to host the Nets on Friday.

The Clippers said they anticipate that the games starting Monday will be played as scheduled.

"The health and safety of our community and our fans remains our highest priority," the team said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick emotional while opening up on 'awful feeling' of losing home in wildfires

10 January 2025 at 18:09

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is one of the thousands in Los Angeles whose home did not survive the wildfires that have ravaged the area this week.

Redick was in Dallas for a game when he learned of the fires and that his family had evacuated.

Speaking with the media Friday, a day after a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena was postponed, he opened up about his experience returning to Palisades and what he saw.

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"I'm good. My wife got out really early. She was actually on the other side and came outside, saw the fire, was with some people, and were headed to the airport. … Got the kids from school. They're safe. All that mattered," he said.

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"Went to the hotel, woke up at 7, headed up to Palisades. I had to see it for myself. I was not prepared for what I saw. It's complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house but went through most of the village, and it's all gone. I don't think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that."

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Redick's home was destroyed Thursday.

"We were renting for the year to try to figure out where to be long-term, and everything we own that was of importance to us — almost 20 years of being together and 10 years of parenting — was in that house," an emotional Redick said. "There's certain things you can't replace. They'll never be replaced.

"The material stuff is whatever. My family and I, we're processing the self side, the individual side of losing your home. You don't ever want to wish that on anybody. It's an awful feeling to lose your home. … Not sure I've wept or wailed like that in several years.

Monday night's Vikings-Rams NFL playoff game was moved from Inglewood to Arizona because of the fires that have claimed at least 10 lives, destroyed over 10,000 buildings and burned roughly 30,000 acres. 

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LeBron James fires warning shot to NFL about Christmas Day games

26 December 2024 at 06:13

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a message for the NFL following the team’s close win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

James scored 31 points and dished out 10 assists as Austin Reaves’ go-ahead bucket gave the Lakers a 115-113 win. But with the NFL creeping up on what was the NBA’s most exciting day of the regular season, James sent a warning shot to the league.

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"I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day," he declared.

Last year, the NFL scheduled three games on Christmas Day as it fell on a Monday. This year, two games were scheduled on Christmas. In 2022, regular season games fell on Christmas Day.

NFL officials said last year the league wouldn’t schedule any games on Christmas if it fell outside of a normally scheduled day.

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"We’ve seen the opportunity with Thanksgiving and some of the audience that we’ve continued to build there," NFL executive vice president of media distribution Hans Schroeder told The Wall Street Journal at the time. "We think there’s an opportunity when the calendar allows it on Christmas now, too, when we know our fans are going to be together."

It was only four months later when the league did an about-face.

"The fans clearly spoke," Schroeder told The Wall Street Journal in March. "There’s a big demand."

The report noted that the NFL would usually give the day away to the NBA and other programming and even moved the old NFL championship off of Christmas if it fell on that day.

This year, the NFL’s games were seen on Netflix. When the ratings come out, everyone will get to see whether James is right.

The NFL dispatched the first round of the College Football Playoff last week in their rare head-to-head matchup.

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