CLIPPERS, LAKERS BRING BRIEF RELIEF

Los Angeles teams back in NBA action to provide escape for fans as wildfires continue to rage

- 

The Lakers and Clippers returned to National Basketball Association (NBA) action on Jan 13, with a strong nod to the first responders battling the Los Angeles wildfires and hoping to bring "some joy" to their ravaged city.

The Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs 126-102 at their Crypto.com Arena in downtown LA, while the Clippers beat the Miami Heat 109-98 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood several kilometers south.

"Sports are a lot of things and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction," said Lakers coach J.J. Redick.

He lost the home he shared with his wife and two sons when the Palisades fire erupted last week.

"Hopefully sports tonight can provide some joy as well."

More than 90,000 people remained displaced on Jan 13, seven days after multiple wind-driven blazes erupted.

At least 24 people have been killed and thousands left without homes, and authorities warned that winds are forecast to intensify again on Jan 14, which could lead to "extreme fire behavior and life-threatening conditions".