Lakers head coach JJ Redick grew emotional Friday while recounting the loss of his family’s Pacific Palisades home in a devastating wildfire that razed much of the community.
Redick’s wife and two sons were away when the fire consumed their house Tuesday. He described witnessing the aftermath early Wednesday: “It’s complete devastation. I went through most of the village, and it’s all gone. You can’t prepare for something like that.”
Redick, who played 15 NBA seasons, moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn after becoming Lakers head coach last offseason. The family was renting the home while deciding on a long-term residence.
“Everything important to us after 20 years as a couple and 10 years of parenting was in that house,” he said. “But the material stuff doesn’t matter. The real loss is the community—churches, schools, the library, all gone.”
Fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, two major wildfires this week have left at least 11 dead and destroyed or damaged over 10,000 structures, among California’s worst disasters.
Redick vowed to help rebuild: “The Palisades community has been so good to us. We’ll rebuild and lead that effort. But there are people who won’t be alright due to political or insurance issues. We’ll do all we can to help.”
The NBA postponed the Lakers’ Thursday game against the Hornets and Saturday games for the Lakers and Clippers due to the fires.
Redick emphasized resilience: “We’ll be alright. This is about coming together for those who need it most.”
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