Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis recently extended a generous hand to aid victims of the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The basketball superstar donated $20,000 to the GoFundMe campaign of Rohan Ali, a long-time Lakers videographer who lost his childhood home in Altadena to the fires. Ali’s family home, along with decades of treasured belongings, was destroyed in the blaze, leaving his family to rebuild from scratch.
The donation, which Davis made last Thursday, was accompanied by a $4,000 contribution from his teammate, Jarred Vanderbilt. Ali, who has been with the Lakers since 2016, created the campaign to raise $80,000 to cover essential costs such as housing, food, and transportation during the rebuilding process. The support from the Lakers players has provided a significant boost to the fundraising efforts.
The wildfires have ravaged over 45 square miles in Los Angeles County, displacing more than 175,000 people and taking at least five lives. Many residents, including professional athletes, have been directly impacted. The Lakers had to postpone a game against the Charlotte Hornets due to the crisis, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
This is not the first time Davis has stepped up to assist the community. Known for his off-court generosity, the Lakers’ center continues to lead by example, demonstrating the importance of giving back, especially during times of crisis.
The wildfires have also affected other prominent figures in the sports world. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed his mother’s home was destroyed, while former NBA player JJ Redick’s family had to evacuate their residence. These events have unified the sports community in rallying support for victims.
As Los Angeles battles these devastating fires, contributions like Davis’ not only offer financial relief but also inspire others to support the recovery efforts. Ali expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying it has brought hope amid unimaginable loss.
