Kawhi Leonard leaves Clippers and joins evacuated family in Los Angeles

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left the team and flew to Los Angeles to be with his family who were evacuated due to the forest fires that have devastated the areacoach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday.

The Clippers played the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night and lost 126-103.

“You definitely have to take care of your house… I totally had my support 100%,” Lue told reporters before the game. “Coming back, checking on his family and his kids, making sure they’re okay. And he came back and they’re okay, so I’m happy and grateful for that.”

Tens of thousands have been evacuated due to the Palisades Fire, and more than 11,800 acres have burned in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to ABC News. It is estimated that more than 1,000 structures were destroyed by the fire.

Leonard, who bought a home in Pacific Palisades in 2021, was scheduled to play his third game of the season against Denver. The Clippers star made his season debut against Atlanta on Jan. 4 after missing the start of the season with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.

He is averaging 10 points in 20 minutes per game.