LeBron James and his family remain evacuated from their Brentwood home as wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, forcing them to stay in a hotel since last Thursday.
The Lakers star revealed the situation to reporters on Wednesday night following his team’s 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat.
“Personally, my family, we’ve been evacuated since Thursday night, so I’ve been in a hotel since pretty much when we got back from Dallas,” James told reporters. “So, just figuring it out. But staying strong for one another.”
While James confirmed his home remains undamaged, the fires have already claimed thousands of properties across Los Angeles County, including the Pacific Palisades residence of Lakers coach JJ Redick.
LeBron James has been forced out of his LA mansion due to the wildfires
Reuters
The devastating blazes have killed at least 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures whilst scorching over 60 square miles.
The wildfires have taken a significant mental toll on James, affecting both his personal life and on-court performance.
“I’ve been completely off for obvious reasons,” James admitted after Wednesday’s game. “I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades.”
The Lakers had lost three consecutive games before their victory over Miami, with the fires forcing a six-day layoff in their schedule.
“It’s been a lot of emotions,” James said. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the Palisades, but all across LA county and all the surrounding areas because of the fire.”
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Despite the challenges, James managed to score 22 points against the Heat, including 15 in the second half, helping secure a crucial win for his team.
The Lakers are among a dozen professional sports teams in Los Angeles and Orange counties that have pledged £8 million to support fire relief efforts.
James expressed hope that the team’s performances could provide solace to the affected community.
“Sports has always given people an opportunity to kind of just like temporarily forget about whatever they may have been going through,” James said.
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LeBron James hopes the Lakers can give back to the community
PA
“I hope that by us going out on the floor and playing the way we played tonight… that we as a Lakers franchise and the players give a sense of hope and pride and excitement,” he added.
The Lakers star emphasised the team’s significance in the community’s recovery process.
“We know how important the Lakers is to the community – hopefully we can provide that to a lot of families,” James said.
Despite personal challenges, James demonstrated his commitment to fan connection during Wednesday’s game, particularly through a touching moment with a young supporter.
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A family friend sent James a video during halftime showing a young girl’s emotional reaction when he had acknowledged her from the court earlier in the game.
After the final whistle, James made a special gesture by giving the girl one of his I Promise wristbands and taking a photograph with her.
“I think it will be something that hopefully she will never forget,” James said. “I’m happy to be a part of her life now and that small little moment, but such a bigger moment.”
The interaction appeared to inspire James, who went on to score 15 points in the second half, including seven straight points in the crucial fourth quarter.
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