Clippers, Lakers embrace giving fans an escape amid LA wildfires: 'LA is a strong city'

Sunday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers held a significance beyond the world of sports to give fans an escape and sense of hope as thousands have been left devastated as the strenuous and long road to recovery begins following the LA wildfires. 

The evening marked the first time the Clippers welcomed the Lakers into their new home, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. While there was plenty of Purple and Gold among the Sea of Navy and Red, Clipper Nation solidified that the Intuit Dome was their house. 

Whether the month's fires impacted fans directly or those they know, once the final buzzer beater went off, some fans returned to the reality of communities in ruins. 

"We’re LA strong. One thing about being in LA we’ve dealt with adversity a lot and we want to encourage everyone to keep their spirits up. There’s an opportunity to rebuild," said Nicole, a member of The Wall at the Intuit Dome. "We’re all here to support those who have lost anything…we’re encouraging and we know they’re going to bounce back." 

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 19, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Players, coaches impacted by the LA wildfires

While many members of the two organizations won’t face the same hurdles in the rebuilding process as the many who reside in the fire zones, they were still impacted on a deep emotional level. 

"I don’t know what it’s like to lose everything. It’s a terrible thing to happen. The firefighters did a great job and put their lives on the line, said LA Clippers center, Ivica Zubac. 

JJ Redick

Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his home to the flames and spoke about the memories and sentimental items that were lost. 

"My son did an art project last year at St. Ann's in Brooklyn, and it was a charcoal pencil painting of a lighthouse that we had framed above the stairs. You can't ever replace stuff like that—memories," he said in a recent interview. 

The family's tremendous loss led to one of the league's most heartfelt moments this season when San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul gifted their game-worn jerseys to Redick’s two sons. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lakers coach JJ Redick's loses home in LA wildfire, Lakers-Hornets game postponed

Kawhi Leonard

Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, who had freshly returned from injury, flew back to LA from Denver on Jan. 8 to be with his family who had been evacuated. While surrounded by devastation, Leonard’s family home was spared by the fire, TMZ reported

LeBron James

LeBron James and his family, who reside in Brentwood, were also evacuated. 

"There’s been a lot of emotions," James said, as Jovan Buha of the Athletic reported. "I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades. Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the (Pacific) Palisades, but all across L.A. County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire and things of that nature. It’s been a lot of emotions."

Rohan Ali

One person who doesn’t have the financial safety net of millions is Rohan Ali, who works as a videographer for the Lakers. He lost his childhood home in the Eaton Fire. A GoFundMe page indicates he’s received support from the Lakers – Anthony Davis donated $20,000, Joey Buss donated $10,000, and Jarred Vanderbilt gave $4,000. 

Steve and Connie Ballmer donate to wildfire relief

Clippers owner Steve Baller, and his wife Connie, donated $15 million to relief efforts. Mr. Ballmer also own the Intuit Dome that will host the FireAid Benefit concert on Jan. 30. 

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A Marquee Matchup

There is some debate whether the Clippers and Lakers even have a rivalry, considering the Men and Purple and Gold have won 17 championships, while the Clippers have yet to make the Finals. 

Snarky fans commented online that the Intuit Dome would serve as the Lakers’ second home, much like San Diego’s Petco Park, which is referred to as "Dodger Stadium South."

The Clippers have undeniably exceeded expectations. While many analysts had them as a play-in team following the departure of Paul George and started the season without Leonard, they currently hold the 5th seed in the West. 

Norman Powell is having a breakout season as he approaches what looks to be his first season as an All-Star and James Harden has plenty left in the tank as he’s embraced his leadership role.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis is having a monster of a season, averaging 25.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Davis missed Friday night’s game and was considered a game-time decision for Sunday’s game. 

Davis was later cleared for play. 

A Time of Resilience

Like the city and Angelenos, the teams are resilient. It was five years ago wjen hearts across the globe were broken following the death of Kobe Bryant. While he was a legendary Laker, players and personnel on both teams admired his game and continue to model their mindset based off the Mamba Mentality. 

The head coaches for the Clippers and Lakers have a rarity in common, having a connection to both LA teams. 

Lue began his 11-year playing career as a Laker and Redick was a member of the"Lob City" Clippers from 2013-17. 

Ahead of the game, Lue offered fans a message of hope. 

"Hopefully, we can put some smiles on faces tonight… and just try to get people to come together, you know, [whether] if it's households or if it's restaurants or whatever to watch the games to take their minds off of it. But, you know, LA is a strong city and it's still standing. And whatever we can do to support, we're always going to do that as a team and as an organization."

"LA just gotta stay strong," Lue added. 

Clippers vs. Lakers game result

The Los Angeles Clippers came out firing from all cylinders and finished the first half up 64-49. 

In the third quarter, Lakers fans roared to give their guys a much-needed burst of energy, but again, this game took place in the Clippers' house. 

Leonard and Harden both made notable milestones during Sunday's game. 

Harden officially surprised Oscar Robertson and moved to 14th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. 

As for Leonard, he surpassed 14,000 career points. 

"I’m happy I was able to play long enough to get to that point. For me, I’m not looking at that as a milestone. I’m more of a team guy and want to get the win and be the last team standing," Leonard said of his accomplishment. "I thank God for giving me that opportunity and most people don’t. I like to take every opportunity and blessing and don’t take it for granted." 

It's worth noting Harden and Leonard both grew up in LA and embrace every second of playing in their hometown. 

Game breakdown 

  • 1st Quarter: Clippers up 32-26
  • 2nd Quarter: Clippers up 64-49
  • 3rd Quarter: Clippers up 92-77
  • 4th Quarter: Clippers win 116-102

Game leaders

  • Norman Powell scored 22 points for the Clippers, while Harden and Ivica Zubac had 21 apiece.
  • LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points.
NBALos Angeles LakersLos Angeles ClippersSportsIntuit Dome