“Stay safe, look out for yourself and for one another, and trust that humanity and all it entails, though sometimes hard to see, is alive and well. This is truly devastating”. The message by singer John Mayer helps to send out hope to those affected by the deadly tragedy that came at the new year’s beginning.  The Wildfires in Southern California continue to get worse with each passing minute.

Amidst chilling visuals of planes flying over the burning city of Los Angeles, and thousands of homes destroyed within 24 hours, it is quite hard to get some positive news out of such mass-scale devastation. However, Anthony Davis just took one step to ensure that he could provide aid to one member of his organization.

Recently, an individual named Rohan Ali started a ‘GoFundMe’ page for his parents, Gayle and Rasheed Ali. According to his LinkedIn, Rohan is a Video Producer who has worked with the Los Angeles Lakers organization for around 8 years, and 4 months now. His parents reportedly had a home located in the Altadena area. That home, however, has now been destroyed by the devastation caused by the California Wildfires.

Rohan is seeking a donation of at least $80,000 to help his parents “cover food, housing, transportation, and any other inevitable costs”. Most likely touched by this effort, Anthony Davis dropped the biggest donation to Rohan’s family. A whopping $20,000! Furthermore, even power forward Jarred Vanderbilt chimed in and donated $2,000.

Not much is covered about Rohan Ali in the public setting. However, amongst the Lakers’ inner circle, the video producer seems to be a reputed individual. After all, he has devoted more than 8 years of his life to the Lakers. Dan Woike, who covers the Lakers for the LA Times, retweeted the update about the staff member and his family, and wrote “Rohan is one of my favorite people in the Lakers organization”.

Jovan Buha reposted the original story, covered by Dave McMenamin, about the LA natives losing their home of at least 30+ years. Meanwhile, Dave McMenamin himself donated $250 to Rohan’s ‘GoFundMe’ page. Sports columnist Mirjam Swanson called Rohan Ali “one of the gentlest souls I’ve known”. She sympathized with the predicament faced by him and thousands of LA residents.

Therefore, despite the devastation that has befallen Rohan and his family, it is nice knowing that the Video Producer is receiving moral support from so many sides. Including the players from his organization.

Rohan Ali is just one member of the NBA circle who has been affected by the California Wildfires. During a pre-game presser, Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed, “My family and my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated”. Warriors HC Steve Kerr expressed his condolences. On a personal note, he revealed that his mother had been evacuated from her residence in the Pacific Palisades area.

Till yesterday, reports were coming in that the fire was spreading to the Brentwood Area, which houses LeBron James’ $23 million mega-mansion. After the NHL indefinitely delayed a game between the LA Kings and the Calgary Flames, the Los Angeles Lakers also postponed its home game against the Charlotte Hornets. For now, it seems as if the situation is going to get worse before it can get better.

Currently, Rohan’s ‘GoFundMe’ page has raised over $45,490. Along with raising the amount, Anthony Davis may have also helped spread awareness about the Video Editor. This was a commendable contribution from the NBA player’s side. However, it is important to remember that this isn’t the first time he has come to someone’s aid.

Anthony Davis’ connection with Kentucky caused him to donate a six-figure amount!

Before he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, or the NBA, Anthony Davis played for the Kentucky Wildcats. Under head coach John Calipari, Davis laid the foundation of his basketball career. He rose through the college ranks and even led the Wildcats to a National Championship in 2012. The University of Kentucky would have continued to remain a special spot in the NBA player’s mind and heart. Therefore, it was a no-brainer for him to come to the aid when his college team needed it.

Back in August 2022, Anthony Davis donated $350,000 to the Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief. He did so during the telethon that the Kentucky Wildcats had hosted. The team was raising millions to help the victims of a massive storm that caused historic floods throughout Kentucky. The same caused the deaths of at least 35 people, with many others going missing. Taking to social media, John Calipari revealed that he did not want to ask any of his former players for help. Despite this, Davis reached out and offered the $350,000 to the Kentucky Flood Relief.

The coach was touched. In his original tweet, he wrote “This is what makes you proud as a coach”. Later on, Calipari also added “That’s servant leadership in action, that’s staying connected to this program and this state. Love you, Ant.”

In moments as devasting as the ongoing one, it is important to focus on that side of humanity that comes out in need to help its fellow man. No one asked Anthony Davis to do what he did, and yet he still took action. With his donation, one can hope that Rohan Ali and his family get back on their feet in no time.