NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard has temporarily stepped away from the Los Angeles Clippers to be with his family members, who were forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California.
NBA insider Chris Haynes first reported the news on Wednesday.
Leonard, who purchased a $17.1 million mansion in Pacific Palisades in 2021, joins tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents affected by the rapidly spreading fires.
The current condition of his property remains unclear, but the two-time NBA champion’s primary focus is his family’s safety and well-being.
“You definitely have to take care of home. Totally had my support 100 percent,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said before Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.
“Going back, checking on his family and kids, making sure they’re well. And he got back, and they’re doing OK, so just happy and thankful for that.”
Via Sportsnet
The timing is particularly challenging for Leonard, who had just returned to NBA action after missing the season’s first 34 games due to right knee inflammation.
He made his season debut last Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks, contributing 12 points in 19 minutes, followed by an eight-point performance on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The wildfires’ impact extends beyond Leonard and the Clippers organization.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that his family was among those forced to evacuate.
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said.
“I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family.”
Via Sportsnet
The natural disaster has disrupted sports schedules across Los Angeles.
The NHL postponed Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames while the NFL closely monitors the situation ahead of Monday’s playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium.
The fires, exacerbated by strong winds, have already claimed five lives and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses across the greater Los Angeles area.
Officials estimate that more than 70,000 people are under evacuation orders, with the Pacific Palisades area being among the hardest-hit regions.
SKy5 is above the #PalisadesFire, which continues to spread north and east through the Santa Monica Mountains: https://t.co/Fa3uK8jfkC pic.twitter.com/k6xVkFEu9A
— KTLA (@KTLA) January 9, 2025
In Leonard’s absence, the Clippers will rely more heavily on James Harden and Norman Powell, with increased roles expected for Terance Mann and Derrick Jones.
The team is scheduled to return home for a three-game homestand starting Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets, though Leonard’s return timeline remains uncertain.
The Clippers organization has shown full support for their star player’s decision to prioritize his family during this crisis.
While his absence impacts the team on the court, it underscores a fundamental truth: even for professional athletes, family safety comes first during times of natural disaster.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Stuck in gridlock traffic while trying to flee, Canadian actor Eugene Levy described the ominous scene: “The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon.”
- Actor Ben Affleck’s attempt to return home turned into a poignant moment of helplessness when authorities turned him away as flames engulfed his neighborhood.
- The Clippers’ recent game without Leonard told its own story of impact – they fell to the Nuggets 126-103 in Denver, playing without their star while he attended to his family back home.
