Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick and his family have faced the brunt of the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California.
The Palisades Fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, has scorched more than 30,000 acres, destroyed over 1,000 structures, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate, including Redick’s family.
Timelapse of the fire near Pasadena as it keeps growing larger up the terrainpic.twitter.com/25QH5km8tk
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 8, 2025
Evacuation Amid Growing Threats
Redick’s home, located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, was among those threatened by the advancing blaze.
Speaking before the Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Redick expressed his concern for the community and the safety of his family.
“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, I know a lot of people are scared. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”
Via NewYork Post
Loss of Home And Postponements
By Thursday, reports confirmed that Redick’s home had been consumed by the fire.
The NBA subsequently postponed Thursday’s Lakers-Hornets game, citing the fires as the primary concern.
Thursday morning in Pasadena. Heavy smoke and the smell has changed from forest fire to house fire. pic.twitter.com/nuu1TLWARR
— Rantingly (@rantinglydotcom) January 9, 2025
The league and the Lakers organization issued statements of solidarity with those affected, emphasizing support for first responders and displaced residents.
The league’s statement read,
“The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,”
Via NBA
The Lakers echoed this sentiment, saying,
“We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation.”
Via NBA
Widespread Impact On The Region
The Palisades Fire remains at zero percent containment, with gusts expected to exceed 100 mph in some areas.
Authorities estimate that over 13,000 structures are still under threat. Other NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, have also been affected.
Kawhi Leonard has a $17 Million, almost 12,000 square feet home in Pacific Palisades,
— Jeylani Brown (@BrownJeylani) January 8, 2025
I wonder if this raging wild fire in that area effected his house.
Praying everyone that’s been impacted by this fire. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Y2VqNc7GWJ
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left the team to assist his family after their evacuation.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers have adjusted their schedules to account for poor air quality and the fire’s ongoing threat.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who lost his childhood home in Pacific Palisades to the blaze, spoke emotionally about the devastation.
Kerr said,
“It’s the lifetime of memories, occasions, and birthday parties. To just see the destruction, the devastation, is unfathomable.”
Via TMZ
Despite the destruction, he expressed gratitude that lives had been spared and shared his hope for the community’s recovery.
Steve Kerr’s childhood home in Pacific Palisades where his 90-year old mother, Ann, still lives was “tragically burned” in the fire and she was forced to evacuate to safety.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 9, 2025
(via @NBCSWarriors) pic.twitter.com/XngMQd0tk8
Nonetheless, fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the wildfires ravaging Southern California’s landscape.
With no substantial rainfall in months and winds expected to persist, containment efforts face significant challenges.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- J.J. Redick came from an athletic family in Cookeville, Tennessee. Athletics ran in his blood—his dad, Ken, played college basketball at Ohio Wesleyan, while his twin sisters played basketball at Campbell University.
- His younger sibling David had a stint as a football player at Marshall University but had to stop playing because of an injury.
- At Duke, Redick studied history and cultural anthropology.
- He married Chelsea Kilgore in mid-2010 and became the parents of two children, Knox and Kai.
