Chris Paul makes feelings clear about focus on basketball amid devastating LA wildfires

The devastation caused by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires is weighing on many across the NBA, including San Antonio Spurs veteran point guard Chris Paul. On Wednesday evening, the 12-time All-Star, whose family is based in LA, touched on his difficulty focusing on basketball amid the tragedy.

Paul has played for five franchises since his six-year tenure with the LA Clippers (2011-2017). However, he has continued raising his family, who were forced to evacuate their house on Tuesday, in LA since then.

Per the San Antonio Express-News, Paul's wife and children traveled to a hotel in a "safer part of the city." Nevertheless, their home could be among those decimated by the five wildfires sweeping through the Greater LA area.

According to Paul, the uncertainty, combined with the affliction felt by those close to him, has burdened his mind over the past few days.

"It's definitely scary, everything that is going on," Paul said. "I'm sending so much love and prayers to some of my closest friends and family who have lost everything."

The 20-year veteran added that he has struggled to remain engaged with work while feeling helpless amid the calamity. He also expressed eagerness to meet up with his family in LA on Thursday.

"It's hard, really hard," Paul said. "I didn't sleep last night. For me, I'm more excited to get back to my family. I haven't seen them throughout all this. I definitely want to get there."

San Antonio is scheduled for two straight road matchups against the LA Lakers on Saturday and Monday. However, the games' statuses appear in question. Thursday's clash between the Charlotte Hornets and LA Lakers at LA's Crypto.com Arena was postponed, marking one of several sporting events delayed by the fires.

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Chris Paul among multiple NBA personnel impacted by LA wildfires

Chris Paul isn't the only member of the NBA impacted by the LA wildfires. Golden State Warriors and Lakers coaches Steve Kerr and JJ Redick reportedly lost houses due to the catastrophe.

According to ESPN, the flames consumed Redick's rental home in Pacific Palisades and Kerr's childhood home in Palisades, which his 90-year-old mother occupied.

Like Paul, both coaches' family members evacuated in time. The same goes for Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who returned to LA on Wednesday to reunite with his family.

Nevertheless, those affected by the fires will likely feel the ramifications for years to come as the city looks to recover from the disaster.

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