Lakers Coach JJ Redick Speaks Out About Losing Family Home in Pacific Palisades Wildfire
In an emotional revelation, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has shared that his family lost their home in the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire earlier this week. The fire, which caused widespread destruction, occurred on Tuesday while the Lakers were away in Dallas to play against the Mavericks.
Redick broke his silence on Friday after the team’s practice, visibly moved as he recounted the tragic loss. “I’m not sure I’ve wept or wailed like that in several years,” he confessed, reflecting on the emotional toll of the catastrophe.
A Devastating Loss for the Redick Family
The wildfire completely destroyed the rented home where Redick, his wife Chelsea, and their two young sons had been living while deciding on a permanent residence in Los Angeles. Fortunately, Chelsea and the children were safely away from the area during the incident.
Despite their safety, the emotional weight of the loss remains heavy. On Wednesday, Redick visited the site of their home, witnessing firsthand the aftermath of the fire. “I was not prepared for what I saw,” he said. “It’s complete devastation and destruction. Our home is gone.”
Beyond their home, the fire also destroyed much of the surrounding neighborhood, including a recreation center where Redick had spent time with his children. The facility had been a cherished space where he was preparing to coach his sons in a basketball league.
“Everything that we owned that was of any importance to us in almost 20 years together as a couple and 10 years of parenting was in that house,” Redick shared. “There are certain things that you can’t replace, that will never be replaced. The material stuff is whatever, but the memories tied to those things make the loss feel so much deeper.”
The Emotional Toll on the Community
The Pacific Palisades wildfire has left a significant impact on the community, displacing families and devastating landmarks. For Redick, the neighborhood had become a second home since he joined the Lakers as head coach last summer. The sense of community he found there made the tragedy even more poignant.
The wildfire has also disrupted the city’s sports schedules. The Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday was postponed, along with an NHL match between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames. The NFL moved the Los Angeles Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Glendale, Arizona.
Despite these challenges, Redick and the Lakers are preparing to resume their schedule, with a game against the San Antonio Spurs slated for Saturday. Redick emphasized the importance of moving forward and providing fans with moments of joy during such a difficult time.
A Message of Resilience
Lakers guard Austin Reaves also reflected on the tragedy, expressing deep sadness for the community but remaining hopeful. “Seeing the pictures, seeing the videos—it’s just sad. People having to leave their homes, the Palisades burning to the ground, it’s just a tragedy,” Reaves said. “But I know we’ll get through it because LA is such a great place.”
Redick echoed these sentiments, sharing his gratitude for the support his family has received during this challenging period. Despite the devastation, he remains focused on his team and the city, highlighting the resilience that defines Los Angeles.
Moving Forward Together
The wildfire’s impact on Los Angeles has been profound, but it has also united the community in its determination to rebuild and recover. For Redick and his family, the journey to healing has just begun, but the Lakers coach remains optimistic about the future.
As Los Angeles continues to face adversity, the strength and resilience of its people shine brighter than ever. The Redick family’s story is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the city and its unwavering commitment to supporting one another in times of need.
