Sawt Falasteen - NBA postpones Lakers-Hornets game due to LA-area wildfires

The NBA announced the move without naming a new date for the contest, the first of a scheduled five-game homestand for LeBron James and his teammates.

Rampaging blazes have killed at least five people and remain largely uncontrolled with smoke filling the skis over the destruction.

"The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time," the league said in a statement.

"We're 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."

The Lakers (20-16) rank sixth in the Western Conference while the Hornets are 13th in the Eastern Conference at 8-27.

"We're heartbroken for Los Angeles," the Lakers said in a statement on their website. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation.

"And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most. Tonight's game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today.

The statement closed by saying, "We're with you, LA."

The Lakers are set to play host to French star Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday and Monday with Miami set to visit on Wednesday and the Brooklyn Nets scheduled to play in LA on January 17.

The Los Angeles Clippers have home games scheduled on Saturday against Charlotte, Monday against Miami and Wednesday against Brooklyn.

The NHL Los Angeles Kings postponed a Wednesday home contest against Calgary and the NFL is looking at moving the Los Angeles Rams' scheduled Monday home playoff game against Minnesota to Glendale, Arizona, if needed.

H.Darwish--SF-PST