Lakers, Dodgers, other teams donate $8 million to LA fire relief efforts

Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball head coach JJ Redick, right, is hugged by guard Austin Reaves, left before talking to the media about the Pacific Palisades wildfire at a news conference in El Segundo, Calif., Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

LOS ANGELES – All 12 Los Angeles-area sports teams are coming together to help victims of the deadly fires that have devastated the region.

The teams – including Lakers, Clipper, Chargers, Dodgers, Angel City FC, the Angels, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Rams and Sparks – have pledged to donate more than $8 million to support the fire victims and the first responders battling the fires.

The funds will be spread out among several organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, World Central Kitchen and various local animal rescue organizations.

For LA. 💙 pic.twitter.com/XrdH9QoapI

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 13, 2025

The Lakers kicked off a donation drive to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s relief efforts at Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena.

Fans attending Lakers games this week are encouraged to bring new, in-the-package items. Collection bins are located outside Crypto.com Arena at the Figueroa, Kobe Bryant and Star Plaza entrances.

The collections started Monday night when doors opened 90 minutes before the game and continued until halftime.

The following are food and non-food items needed:

Non-food items — deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, waterless shampoo, phone chargers, socks, mittens, hand warmers, beanies and blankets Clothing donations are not being sought.

Food items — peanut butter and other nut butters, protein-based snacks such as bars and protein cookies, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks, energy bars, pop top tuna, pop top chicken, 100% juice boxes, raisins and other dried fruit, ultra-high-temperature processed milk, individual cereal boxes, 16-to 20-ounce water bottles and non-carbonated drinks.

The Lakers’ El Segundo practice facility, the UCLA Health Training Center, serves as a drive-thru donation center Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Meanwhile, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have donated $1 million for immediate relief to the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and other organizations to support those affected by the fires and are working with the Clippers and Lakers on ways to support longer term assistance and rebuilding efforts, according to the league.