Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is among the hundreds of Southern California residents who have tragically lost their homes to the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area. Redick disclosed that his family had to evacuate their home on Tuesday due to the Palisades Fire, which has already scorched over 17,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures in just three days, as reported by Cal Fire.
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in Palisades right now. That’s where I live,” Redick expressed on Tuesday before the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. “Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming (on Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania later reported on Thursday that Redick’s home had fallen victim to the flames. The Palisades Fire, which has been exacerbated by powerful Santa Ana winds, remains at zero percent containment as of Thursday afternoon.
Tragic fires in Los Angeles have had a widespread impact, affecting many, including Lakers personnel such as head coach JJ Redick, who lost his home.
Earlier, the NBA declared that the Thursday game between the Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at the Crypto.com Center in Los Angeles was postponed due to the wildfires. “The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,” read the NBA statement. “We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have displayed enormous bravery. Our prayers are with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.”
The Lakers also expressed their sentiments, stating, “We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. … Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today.”
Redick is not alone in the NBA community in facing displacement due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard took a break from the team after his family was instructed to evacuate, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. Leonard was absent from the Clippers’ 126-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
The wildfires in Southern California have brought immense destruction and displacement, impacting the lives of many residents, including prominent figures like JJ Redick and Kawhi Leonard. The NBA community has rallied together to support those affected and recognize the bravery of the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to combat the blazes devastating the region.
