James spoke after the Lakers’ 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat Wednesday. James, 40, finished the game with 22 points and nine assists.
Stay up to date with the NYP’s coverage of the terrifying LA-area fires
“It’s definitely our job to know that we still have a job to do,” James said. “We got to focus on our job but also still be human beings and understanding what real life is all about, too. I hope that by us going on the floor and (by) us playing the way we played tonight — not the way we played against San Antonio — but the way we played tonight and hopefully the next few months or whatever it is, years, until the city is back up, that we as a Lakers franchise and the players that are playing for the Lakers give a sense of hope and pride and excitement and things of that nature.
The four-time NBA champion confirmed to reporters he has taken up temporary residence in a hotel that has left him feeling “off.”
“But our home has definitely not been touched since the moment we left, but it’s still standing and we’re grateful for that. Hopefully, it continues to stand. Just waiting patiently when we’ll be granted to possibly go back to it and be as one under our home.”
James also opened up about his emotional state as he learned that some of his friends lost their homes.
“Personally, I’ve been off,” he added. “Personally, 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, just figuring it out. But staying strong for one another. Obviously, that’s most important.”
“There’s been a lot of emotions,” James said during a news conference. “I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades. Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families all across not only the (Pacific) Palisades but all across LA County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire and things of that nature. It’s been a lot of emotions.
The wildfires that continue to wreak havoc on the Los Angeles region forced LeBron James and his family to leave their home.