Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is stepping away from the team to be with and help his family, which was impacted due to the massive fires that have erupted in Southern California in recent days,
Leonard missed the Clippers’ 126-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Colorado on Wednesday night, and he flew home to Los Angeles to be with his family. Clippers coach Ty Lue said before that contest that Leonard’s family was safe.
Further specifics on his absence are still unknown. The Clippers will return home to Los Angeles for a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
“That’s the most important thing, family, friends and loved ones,” Lue said, via Sports Illustrated’s Joey Linn. “You definitely have to take care of home. Totally had my support 100%. He went back, checked on his family and kids and making sure they’re well. He got back and they’re doing OK. Just happy and thankful for that.”
Ty Lue said Kawhi Leonard got back to Los Angeles safely and his family and kids are okay.
Said Kawhi has his full support as he takes care of his family during this time. pic.twitter.com/0l5ADhL4eK
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 9, 2025
Multiple fires erupted in Los Angeles County this week amid an unprecedented wind event in the region that saw gusts up to 100 mph. The Palisades fire in west Los Angeles had spread more than 5,000 acres as of Wednesday morning and destroyed more than 1,000 structures, according to The Los Angeles Times. Two people were killed in the Eaton fire, which has burned more than 10,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes across the county.
The Los Angeles Kings postponed a game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night as a result. The Lakers, who share an arena with the Kings in downtown Los Angeles, are scheduled to start a four-game homestand Thursday. The Rams are also set to host a playoff game Monday night in Inglewood.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who lives in the Palisades, said his family had evacuated their home due to the fires. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared that his 90-year-old mother was among those evacuated, too.
“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family,” Redick said on Tuesday. “From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”
Leonard has appeared in just two games for the Clippers this season. The six-time All-Star made his return to the court last week, which marked his first game since he left the first round of the 2024 playoffs with a knee injury. He spent time training with the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the Olympics this past summer, but he later withdrew and underwent a knee procedure during the offseason. He had been recovering ever since.
The Clippers, who have now lost four of their last five, hold a 20-17 record on the season entering Saturday’s contest against the Hornets.
