Is the LA Lakers vs Hornets game postponed? NBA reschedules contest amid Los Angeles wildfire

The Wednesday game between the LA Lakers and the visiting Charlotte Hornets is postponed and will not go ahead as scheduled. NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday that the league will reschedule the game at a later date due to the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that the decision came on the back of several members of the Lakers being affected personally by the wildfires including head coach JJ Redick.

Charania reported on Wednesday that NBA spokesman Mike Bass had been in close contact with the franchise about potential rescheduling.

“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, per Charania.

Thousands of houses and families have been impacted by the wildfire, which has spread over the greater Los Angeles area. The Associated Press reported that the fire has claimed the lives of at least five people. More than 1,000 structures have been damaged by the raging flames, according to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.

Victims and first responders have also been injured because of the calamity.

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who recently returned from injury management, has reportedly stepped away from the team to tend to his family, who have been forced to evacuate because of the wildfires.

USA Today reported that investigators have begun to look into the fire's origin. The Palisades Fire broke out Tuesday, engulfing Malibu and Santa Monica. Over 10,000 acres were destroyed by the Eaton Fire, which followed at 6:30 p.m.

At 10:30 p.m., the third incident, the Hurst Fire, started at Sylmar, in the San Fernando Valley.

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Aside from the Lakers, other sporting events have been canceled

Other athletic activities have been rescheduled while the Lakers and Hornets monitor the catastrophe before deciding about postponing the game. The NHL's LA Kings have postponed their Wednesday game against the Calgary Flames.

"Tonight's game against Calgary has been postponed," the Kings said in a statement. "Our hearts are with our entire Los Angeles community. We appreciate the hard working First Responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community."

In the NFL, the LA Rams are scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings for a wild-card game on Monday night.

“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said.

Even ESPN's "NBA Today" has been affected by the wildfires. Host Malika Andrews posted on X that the show will not air on Wednesday due to the disaster.

They were set to cover the OKC Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks games.