[From ESPN]

LOS ANGELES - With the Lakers about to play their first game after a six-day layoff because of the Southern California wildfires, their coach, JJ Redick, took a moment to focus on something he hoped could be gained after so much has been lost.

"I think a group functions best when you draw strength from each other," said Redick, whose home was one of the thousands lost to the fires in the last week. "Then it's our job to go give strength, and give hope and give joy. Sports are a lot of things and sports can certainly provide an escape and a distraction and hopefully sports, and tonight, can provide some joy as well."

The Lakers worked with the NBA, county officials and the San Antonio Spurs to hold Monday's game as scheduled, announcing the franchise would be dedicating the game to the L.A. community and the first responders who have worked to provide relief from the fires which have killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures across 40,000 acres of charred land.

Read more of ESPN's story HERE