Lakers Coach JJ Redick Confirms Family’s Home Was Lost in Pacific Palisades Fire
The devastating wildfire in Pacific Palisades has taken a toll on many lives, including that of Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick, whose family home was lost in the blaze. Redick shared the heartbreaking news after practice on Friday, marking his first public comments about the incident.
The Emotional Revelation
Redick became emotional as he detailed the impact of the fire, which destroyed his rented home on Tuesday while the Lakers were on the road in Dallas, facing the Mavericks. Fortunately, his wife Chelsea and their two sons were safely away from the area during the fire.
“I’m not sure I’ve wept or wailed like that in several years,” said Redick. He described his visit to Pacific Palisades on Wednesday, where he witnessed the extent of the devastation.
“I was not prepared for what I saw,” he continued. “It’s complete devastation and destruction. Our home is gone.”
A Community Lost
Redick expressed deep sorrow not only for his family’s loss but also for the neighborhood that had embraced them since he became the Lakers’ head coach last summer. Among the places lost to the wildfire was a recreation center where Redick had spent time with his sons and was planning to coach their basketball league.
“Everything we owned of importance from 20 years together as a couple and 10 years of parenting was in that house,” Redick shared. “There’s certain things you can’t replace. The material stuff doesn’t matter, but losing your home is an awful feeling.”
The Redick family had been renting the home while deciding where to settle permanently in Los Angeles.
Impact on the Lakers and the City
Despite the tragedy, Redick has returned to work with the Lakers, who are preparing for their upcoming game against San Antonio on Saturday. The team’s home game against Charlotte on Thursday was postponed due to the ongoing crisis.
The fire has impacted not only the Redick family but also the broader Los Angeles community. Austin Reaves, Lakers’ guard, echoed the sentiment of loss, reflecting on his deep connection to the city.
“It’s sad because this is my fourth year here, and LA has showed me nothing but love since Day One,” Reaves said. “Seeing the pictures and videos of the Palisades burning is just tragic.”
Sports Amid Tragedy
The Lakers, Clippers, and other local teams have had to adjust their schedules amidst the wildfire crisis. The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams’ wild-card playoff game against Minnesota to Glendale, Arizona, while the Los Angeles Kings postponed their game against Calgary.
The Lakers, however, remain committed to providing a sense of normalcy and joy to the city. “We hope to play because it gives the city something to cheer for in a difficult time,” said Redick.
Looking Forward
As the Redick family and the Los Angeles community begin the process of rebuilding, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges life can bring. Redick’s resilience and the support of the Lakers organization highlight the strength of the human spirit during trying times.
Key Games Ahead:
- Saturday: San Antonio
- Monday: San Antonio (again)
- Wednesday: Miami
- Jan. 17: Brooklyn
The Lakers hope to turn these games into opportunities to bring light and hope to a city that has shown them unwavering support.
Conclusion
The loss of JJ Redick’s family home is a poignant example of how wildfires can impact lives beyond measure. As the Lakers rally around their coach and his family, their commitment to supporting Los Angeles during this time of crisis reflects the unity and resilience of the city they represent.
