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JJ Redick and Family Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires
In a tragic turn of events, JJ Redick, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has become one of the many victims of the wildfires devastating the area around Los Angeles. The recent wildfires have led to the loss of numerous homes, including Redick’s residence in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood significantly impacted by the flames.
Following the NBA’s decision to postpone the Lakers’ scheduled game, Redick addressed the media, sharing the heartbreaking story of his family’s loss. A video of his remarks was posted via reporter Mark Medina. The home that burned was where his family had established their life since his hiring last year.
While Redick was away on a Lakers road trip, the fires struck the Palisades. His wife, Chelsea, took immediate action, evacuating their nanny from their home, securing a hotel, and pulling their children out of school. Redick returned to Los Angeles early Wednesday to assess the situation after a brief rest.
“I needed to see it for myself,” Redick recounted. “What I encountered was complete devastation. I took a different route to our house and saw that most of the village is gone. You can never truly prepare for something like this; our home is lost.”
He reflected on the personal loss, emphasizing that their rented home contained nearly 20 years of shared memories and belongings. “The things that matter most to us, especially as a couple and as parents, are now gone. There are items you simply can’t replace; for instance, my son’s framed charcoal drawing of a lighthouse from his art class—it’s irreplaceable,” he lamented.
Redick also noted that Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr faces similar heartache, having lost his childhood home to the flames. Additionally, he mentioned that many other Lakers staff members and their families have also been affected by the disasters in Pacific Palisades.
The wildfires have consumed over 20,000 acres, resulting in widespread destruction and displacing thousands. With only 8% containment reported as of Friday afternoon, the situation remains dire, and officials have confirmed a number of fatalities.
Amidst the devastation, Redick expressed profound sadness for the loss of the community that welcomed his family. “Returning to the hotel, my wife and I were overwhelmed with emotion. It’s been years since I’ve cried like that,” he shared. Chelsea had previously voiced her hesitation about relocating, as they greatly cherished their life and community in Brooklyn. “The Palisades community embraced us, and that’s what we’re grappling with now—the loss of that community connection,” said Redick.
He is determined to support others significantly impacted by the fires, particularly those lacking the means to recover. “Please don’t feel pity for us; we’ll be okay. But there are many who will face financial hardships due to this disaster, and we intend to do everything in our power to assist those in need,” he affirmed.
As the situation continues to unfold, the repercussions of the wildfires are expected to linger, with the erratic winds that fueled the flames forecasted to persist through the weekend. Both the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have home games lined up over the next few days, potentially prompting further decisions from the NBA regarding game scheduling and safety measures.
Source
sports.yahoo.com