Los Angeles Lakers fans who live near the Crypto.com Arena are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives thanks to the extensive damage caused by the California wildfires.
The Purple and Gold and the Clippers are the two franchises most obviously affected by the disaster, but many players within the association also call LA and nearby areas home. Even Chris Paul was concerned with his family’s state during the harshest days of the fires.
The fires have gotten worrisome to the point that the league suspended the Lakers’ match against the Spurs in an effort to protect the players and fans from further danger. It was a given that the game would resume not too long after the scheduled game as JJ Redick’s men were raring to go and entertain a city that badly needed it.
Now that the game is set to be played today, here’s what fans would have to look out for when the game officially tips off.
What fans can expect from the Lakers-Spurs game amid the Los Angeles wildfires
JJ Redick might be a little more emotional than usual
Redick is already stressing about the team’s status in the Western Conference, but this game might have a bit more weight for the rookie head coach.
He, like many of the City of Angels’ residents, and his family lost their Pacific Palisade home to the ravaging fire that has struck cities throughout Southern California.
He talked about the support the franchise has extended to him, per Field Level Media:
“The Lakers have been incredible, and you can go down the list,” Redick said, giving credit to owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka first and foremost. “… Our associates, my coaching staff, the players, everybody has been incredible and there have been tangible things they have done to try to help us over the last few days.”
Fans should be more understanding when Redick might crash out a bit more often than usual towards the referees.
The Spurs will play much better with Jeremy Sochan
The Spurs allowed the Purple and Gold to snap their losing streak, 119-101. One major reason behind the Lakers’ win was Jeremy Sochan’s absence from the roster.
While the Spurs are still odds-on favorites to lose based on their recent form, they should become more difficult to take down with Jeremy Sochan back in the rotation. The Swiss guard is a key cog in Gregg Popovich’s defense, and the extra days he got from the wildfires will allow him to perform better at the Crypto.com Arena.
The Purple and Gold will play their hearts out for the fans
The Lakers know that the atmosphere for the game will be dreary. Their fans lost something—be it property, a business, or a loved one—to the fires, and the results of a basketball game may be the last thing they want to focus on at this very moment.
But it’s during these times that the team must put on a show that will entertain the fans. The situation isn’t as dire as what the Hornets went through after Katrina, but it’s in the team’s best interests to at least alleviate the suffering their fans are going through with exciting basketball.
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