Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has broken his silence on the wildfires sweeping through the city as the 40-year-old four-time NBA champion’s $50 million dollar investments in Brentwood come under serious threat.
Blazes have been raging through the metropolis since Tuesday, January 7 and the fire crews are still battling away to control them as almost 200,000 people have been evacuated and over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed. Sadly, over 25 people have been killed and 31 are missing.
The climate disaster in Southern California has led to a humanitarian crisis that is being made worse by not only looters; but by landlords hiking up the prices to rent out their remaining properties, leeching on those who have had their lives devastated.
The fires are indiscriminately torching homes regardless of class, race or wealth. For example, the Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick, has also lost his home. The childhood home of the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr has also burned down.
But he’s not the only man at the Crypto.com Arena affected as the James have had to evacuate the region, prompting him to speak out in sympathy of those struck by the inferno. Five fires remain as of January 16.
“I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades,” LeBron told reporters after a 117-108 victory against Miami. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families.
“All across not only the Palisades but all across L.A. County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire. … It’s been a lot of emotions. Kind of been off. Personally, I’ve been off.”
LeBron later added, “My family- we’ve been evacuated since Thursday night. So I’ve been in a hotel since pretty much when we got back from Dallas. So you know just figuring it out.”
LeBron’s properties at risk
Housed up in a hotel with his family since January 7, the 6ft7in hooper continues to try to make the most of a terrible situation by taking to the NBA court to try to offer some distraction to the fans of the Lakers.
Yet it could turn personal for him with his money in Brentwood uncertain. LeBron owns a home there but also a range of luxury and sportscars, which nobody knows have survived the wildfires.
The home is valued at $37m and spans 16,000 square-feet, containing eight bedrooms. The rest of his assets and personal items means the amount of money there amounts to $50.8m. James earns $48.7m per year from the Lakers ($80m after sponsors) and is a billionaire.