Kawhi Leonard Stepping Away From Team After Family Was Forced To Evacuate Due to Wildfires

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Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is reportedly stepping away from the team to be with his family after the wildfires forced them to evacuate.

The Los Angeles metropolitan area has been overwhelmed by wildfires that began in the Pacific Palisades. Due to gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour, the fires spread along the Pacific Coast High and into other sections of Los Angeles County. By Wednesday afternoon, the fires had spread across more than 11,000 acres, destroying over 1,000 buildings. It is one of the most destructive firestorms in LA County’s history, and could end up the costliest fire in United States history.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Leonard will take some time away from basketball as his family was one of the thousands forced to flee from the raging inferno.

“Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is stepping away from the team, sources told me,” Haynes said in a video posted Wednesday. “He is going to tend to family in the LA area who were forced to evacuate due to wildfires that are going on over there. So, thoughts and prayers with Kawhi and his family; and thoughts and prayers with everyone out there that is affected by this travesty.”

Leonard had just made his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. It is unknown how long his absence will be.