It has already been a long 2025 for people in Southern California, with wildfires wreaking havoc in the L.A. area and causing deaths, evacuations and immeasurable damage.
The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people, a total that is expected to rise. Progress has been made in the battle against the fires, but the nightmare isn’t over yet.
With everything going on, people could use a little light, and Vanessa Bryant, the widow of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, was seen doing her part at Dodger Stadium.
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The fires have impacted people within the Lakers organization, including star forward LeBron James and head coach J.J. Redick. James and his family were forced to evacuate their home, and Redick tragically lost his home.
Tragic fires in L.A. have impacted so many, including Lakers personnel such as head coach JJ Redick who lost his home. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/fTbO0NEgST
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2025
LeBron says he's been "off" personally due to the fires and everything going on in LA. He still hasn't been able to go home since evacuating.
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 16, 2025
The Lakers were able to get a win for Southern California on Wednesday against the Miami Heat and will be back in action on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. While these games are important for the squad, no one can blame the Lakers if they’re a bit distracted right now. The same goes for sports teams all across the area and anyone in the sports world who has been impacted.
It’s uplifting to see Vanessa Bryant out in the community amid the tough times. The Bryant family remains near and dear to Los Angeles, even years after the tragic helicopter accident in 2020.
After the Lakers face the Nets on Friday, they’ll take a short trip to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. While the Lakers and Clippers have long shared a rivalry, that matchup on Sunday could present an opportunity for the teams to give L.A. a nice distraction from everything that’s going on.
Vanessa Bryant isn’t the only one lending a helping hand to the community right now. The Lakers have set up a way for fans to get involved in relief efforts, and there’s still time to do so, but the window will close soon.