LOS ANGELES — Before Luka Doncic played his first game as a Laker, he made a charitable donation to assist with relief efforts for the tragedies that occurred before he even moved to Southern California.
Doncic, through his self-named foundation, announced on Monday morning a $500,000 donation to “immediate recovery efforts” for those who suffered from the Los Angeles area wildfires, which burned through the region last month starting on Jan. 7.
The 25-year-old five-time All-Star, who the Lakers acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade earlier this month, made his Lakers debut against the Utah Jazz on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) from his foundation, with the title “A Note From Luka,” Doncic wrote: “It’s been so sad to see and learn more about the damage from the wildfires since I landed in LA. I can’t believe it and I feel for all the kids who lost their homes, schools and the places where they used to play with their friends.
“[On Monday], my foundation is donating $500,000 to immediate recovery efforts. I am also committed to helping rebuild courts, playgrounds and fields that were destroyed, because every kid needs a safe place to play. To everyone affected by these fires: we’re here to help, now and for the long haul.”
Doncic joined a long list of professional athletes and teams who have made charitable donations in light of the fires.
Twelve Southern California professional sports teams – the Lakers, Angel City FC, the Angels, Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Rams and Sparks – pledged a combined donation of more than $8 million to support victims in need, as well as those fighting the fires.
The teams also joined forces with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to those who evacuated their homes.
The Lakers also hosted multiple donation drives the week after the fires started.
More to come on this story.
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