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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is reportedly leaving the team to spend time with his family affected by the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
NBA insider Chris Haynes announced the news on Wednesday, noting that some of Leonard’s family had to evacuate due to the wildfires.
chris haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Source: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be leaving the team to spend time with his family, who were forced to evacuate due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area. #Haynes Briefs pic.twitter.com/rthR3Vv4kl
The Clippers are scheduled to play the Denver Nuggets on the road at 9pm ET on Wednesday.
Elsewhere in the sports world, Wednesday night’s NHL game between host Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames has been postponed.
The NFL issued a statement Wednesday saying it “continues to closely monitor developments in the region and is in communication with both clubs and the NFLPA” ahead of Monday’s scheduled playoff game between the visiting Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. “I will continue to take this,” he said.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters on Tuesday that his family was among those evacuated from their homes.
“I just want to thank everyone in the Palisades and send my thoughts and prayers to them right now,” Reddick said. “That’s where I live.
“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, were evacuated. I know a lot of people are panicking right now, including my family. (Tuesday night) From the sound of it blowing, that’s what I felt.” I know that many people are feeling fear, so I want to acknowledge that and pray. And I hope everyone is safe. ”
According to CNN, tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate across Los Angeles County as multiple wildfires were exacerbated by strong winds. Officials said at least two people were killed and thousands of buildings and acres destroyed.
As for Leonard, he returned to the Clippers’ lineup Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks and appeared in Monday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He missed the first 34 games of the season due to a right knee injury.
