Lakers vs. Hornets Postponed Due to Los Angeles Wildfires; Game Will be Rescheduled

The NBA announced Thursday's game between the visiting Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers was postponed because of the ongoing wildfires in the L.A. area and will be rescheduled in the future.

"The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time," the announcement read. "We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires."

Los Angeles also released a statement:

This comes after the NHL postponed Wednesday's scheduled game between the visiting Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings.

The NFL also released a statement Wednesday that said it still plans to play Monday's playoff game between the visiting Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, but it is monitoring the situation alongside the NFLPA. If necessary, the league will move the game to the Arizona Cardinals' home field, State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona.

"The NFL's priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community," the statement read. "We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires."

Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters Tuesday that some of his family members were among those forced to evacuate their homes as the wildfires continued.

"I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now," Redick said. "That's where I live.

"Our family, my wife's family, my wife's twin sister, they've evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe."

Los Angeles was set to start a five-game homestand with Thursday's contest against the Hornets and not leave the area again until the Jan. 25 game against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers are scheduled to face the L.A. Clippers on the road on Jan. 19 after the five-game homestand and then return home for two more contests.

According to CNN, nearly 180,000 residents in the Los Angeles area are facing evacuation orders. Thousands of structures have been destroyed, and the full extent of the damage by the fires that have spread in large part because of strong winds will not be known until they are fully contained.

Officials also said, "frankly, we don't know" the true death toll, although at least five people have been reported to have died.