NBA Star Leaving Team To Be With Family During The Wildfires
Yesterday at 03:52 PM
The wildfires in California are currently affecting thousands in the area this week. More than 80,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as the fires continue, and the resulting impact is affecting businesses and wildlife.
The dry conditions in the area have combined with the high winds to create what some have called a "hurricane of fire," destroying nearly 5,000 acres of land.
As the area attempts to deal with the devastation caused by the fire, one NBA star is leaving his team to help family members who were forced to evacuate over the last few days.
NBA reporter Chris Haynes says that Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will temporarily step away from the team to tend to displaced family members.
Leonard recently made his season debut with the team after dealing with more knee issues during the offseason and throughout training camp. He played 19 minutes in his debut with the Clippers, scoring 12 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Leonard also appeared in the Clippers' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, scoring eight points on 3-11 shooting in 21 minutes.
The Clippers are currently seventh in the West this season, just behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the standings for the sixth and final automatic playoff spot. They've had one of the best defenses in the NBA this season, and will be adding a former defensive player of the year in Leonard when he returns.
The Clippers are set to take on the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night before starting a three-game homestand. They'll welcome the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets to the Intuit Dome before heading back on the road to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Authorities are currently battling three large fires, with the Pacific Palisades fire being the largest. It has now taken the title of the most destructive fire in the history of Los Angeles after destroying over 1,000 structures this week, according to the AP.
Several television shows and films have halted production in and around the area, and the Los Angeles Kings have postponed their home game at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night.
Hopefully, everyone in the affected areas can remain as safe as possible as the fires continue to be dealt with.
Related: Erin Andrews Reacts To The Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires
