The Los Angeles wildfires have caused severe destruction. Over 37,000 acres of land were destroyed, leaving many people homeless and having to undergo evacuation. Those flames didn’t spare many. For the NBA, the onset of the wildfires meant delaying games to be played in California. Tomorrow will be the first time the league returns to LA, but the harm caused is still affecting the Clippers. Coach Ty Lue provided an insight into the team’s mindset.

Ahead of their clash against the Miami Heat, the veteran head coach noted how watching the fires as the team landed shook them to their core. “It’s a tough time for all of us so we are just trying to practice these last couple of days and try to clear our minds as much as we can,” Lue told the media present.

Notably, Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers cornerstone who had only just returned, left Denver to be with his family. They were one of the thousands of people asked to evacuate from their homes. Lue supported his decision and shared the need to prioritize the safety of their families. Reportedly, Leonard’s home wasn’t affected by the disastrous Pacific Palisades wildfires. However, many of the Clippers staff did suffer damages.

“A lot of people have been affected. Been evacuated, also lost their lives as well. Tough times I have to say for the city for the state of California to have to go through this. So my thoughts and prayers are out to anyone who is involved. Just hopefully we can get through it,” Lue revealed about how the wildfires have affected the city of LA.

Although the city suffered massive losses, Lue didn’t forget to salute the heroes who prevented the possibility of a greater burden and saved thousands of lives. “The firefighters have done an amazing job just putting their lives on the line and trying to make sure that everybody’s safe and do the best that they can so we really appreciate them as well,” said Ty Lue. Lue’s words reverberated with another NBA coach who gave his honest thoughts on the matter as well.

JJ Redick resonates with Ty Lue’s thoughts

Among the many affected by the fires was JJ Redick, the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Duke star recalls going through a different route to his house. On his way, he got a glimpse of the disastrous after-effects of the wildfire. Moreover, “Our home is gone,” he also admitted.

Like many from the community, the sight made Redick and his family very emotional. Luckily, his family and kids are all safe. However, while he ensures they will remain out of harm, the first-year coach had the underserved in his mind. And his bottom line is the same as Ty Lue.

“I don’t want people to feel sorry for me and my family. We’re gonna be all right…There’s people that… because of some political issues & some insurance issues are not going to be alright. We’re going to do everything we can to help anybody who’s down and out because of this,” said the Lakers head coach.

Tyronn Lue too relayed the same thoughts. Each of them wants to put their foot forward to help rebuild the community that was lost. As both teams return to playing at home tomorrow, the Lakers are taking definitive measures to help. Over their next three games, the Purple and Gold are hosting a Donation Drive to support the victims of the calamity.

Several Hollywood celebrities have also taken the initiative to help in these tough times. The immediate hope is to provide as much relief as possible to those deeply affected.