LeBron James admits fires’ have taken mental toll

Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James has admitted that Southern California fires have taken a mental toll. The wildfires burned through 60 square miles and killed at least 25 people.

“I have a couple of dear friends that have lost their homes in the Palisades,” James said after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 117-108 win over the Miami Heat. “Obviously, my heart goes out to all of the families, all across not only the Palisades, but all across L.A. County and all the surrounding areas because of the fire. … It’s been a lot of emotions. Kind of been off. Personally, I’ve been off.

“I’ve just been completely off for obvious reasons, but hopefully things are contained or continue to be contained. And hopefully, at some point, we can start to push forward and move forward and put it behind us and rebuild our city, rebuild this beautiful city.”

When the Lakers were trailing by 12 points at halftime against the Heat, LeBron James checked his phone in the locker room during the break. A family friend had sent a video in which James acknowledged a young girl sitting courtside in a replica James No. 23 jersey.

“Thank goodness that I actually looked at my phone at halftime, or I wouldn’t have even seen the reaction when I waved to her in the first half,” James said after the game. “I waved to her, and then I got back to play. So, to have that type of connection with someone, where they can have that type of reaction, I think that’s what it’s all about. And I’ve always tried to be a role model and someone that kids can look up to. … Try to make them proud and want to come see me play or if they’re not able to see me play, hopefully some of the things that I do off the floor continue to inspire them.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick showered praise on James, who scored 15 of his 22 points after the halftime break.

“His comfort level closing the basketball game is obviously very high,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick — one of James’ friends who lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades.

The Lakers will next take on Brooklyn Nets on Friday.