Los Angeles, 11 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) — Due to the devastating fires currently affecting southern California, the NBA postponed two games originally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The NBA said on Friday that the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets, which were scheduled to take place on Saturday, would be "postponed due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area."

"The dates for the rescheduled games will be announced at a later time," the NBA added.

The league said that, together with the NBA Players Association, it was donating $1 million "for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations to support those affected by this disaster and are working with the Lakers and Clippers on ways to support longer term assistance and rebuilding efforts."

The announcement came after a Lakers' home game against the Charlotte Hornets, which had been scheduled for Thursday night, was postponed earlier in the week.

The fires have already affected the NFL, with the Los Angeles Rams' playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings set for Monday evening moved to neighbouring Arizona.

In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings' home game against the Calgary Flames, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was also postponed.

Several fires are currently raging in the region, their cause is still unknown. At least 11 people have died so far, the Los Angeles County coroner's office said on Friday.

Southern California, where Los Angeles is located, has not seen much rain in at least eight months. Trees and shrubs have dried up. Added to this are the seasonally typical strong Santa Ana winds, which are rapidly spreading the flames.