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LeBron, Lakers impacted by smoke in Kings arena

Reuters SPORTS
Published November 11,2018
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The Los Angeles Lakers managed to get to .500 for the first time this season with a 101-86 win in Sacramento on Saturday night, but they had to contend with more than just the Kings.

Smoke from the nearby Camp Fire, which has killed 23 people since starting on Thursday, poured into downtown Sacramento and was visible in the Golden 1 Center before and during the game.

LeBron James scored 25 points for the Lakers, but said the smoke had a noticeable impact.

"I had a slight headache before the game," James said. "I can't pinpoint any other reason why it was going on besides the smoke. But it went away after the game started."

"Hopefully I'll be able to get some good rest tonight," James added.

Teammate JaVale McGee said he also was affected.

"My stomach was hurtin' like I was hungry or something," said McGee, who suffers from asthma. "But it was from the smoke for sure, so ... but we still won, though, so it's all good."

The Lakers return home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday but will be going back to an area also beset by wildfire.

The Woolsey Fire has been raging just north of Los Angeles and has destroyed some 70,000 acres.