NHL Cancels Game in Los Angeles; NBA, NHL Monitoring Palisades Fire

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images

Multiple professional sports teams are monitoring the wildfires raging through Southern California.

The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings canceled their game against the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The NBA is currently considering rescheduling Thursday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets. The NFL is also monitoring the situation ahead of Monday’s Wild Card playoff matchup between the Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

The Pacific Palisades fire has raged since Tuesday and is currently encroaching on the city of Los Angeles. Multiple fires are also active in parts of Los Angeles County. At least five have been killed in the fires as of Wednesday evening.

“In light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed,” the NHL said in a statement Wednesday. “The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time. A makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.”

“Our hearts are with our entire Los Angeles community,” the Kings added in a separate statement. “We appreciate the hard-working First Responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community. We appreciate the League’s support in keeping our fans, staff, and players safe.”

An NBA spokesperson told ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania that the league was monitoring the situation and considering rescheduling the game.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said Tuesday that his family had been evacuated due to the fires.

“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said in a pregame press conference before the Lakers took the floor against the Dallas Mavericks. “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, 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.”

The Lakers’ crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, were in Denver Wednesday evening to take on the Nuggets. However, star forward Kawhi Leonard—who like Redick owns a house in Pacific Palisades—flew back to Los Angeles to be with family who were affected by the fires, according to multiple reports. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was also affected by the fires.

The NFL issued a similar statement about the upcoming playoff game.

“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement published on the Vikings’ website. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.”

The league said it was still preparing to play the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but like all games, there are contingency plans in place in case a change of venue is required. Should the game need to be moved, it would still be played on Monday, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the [National Football League Players Association],” the NFL said.

The Rams expressed support for the community in a post on X. “Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe.”

The Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams, will play the Houston Texans in Houston on Saturday.

The team announced Wednesday that it will donate $200,000 to organizations helping with rescue, cleanup, and care for people and animals forced to evacuate because of the fires.

The team canceled a pep rally in Sherman Oaks Friday. It will hold three other rallies throughout Southern California on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The events will double as Supply Drives for evacuation centers in Los Angeles.