Amidst the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Lakers coach JJ Redick is reportedly among those who have lost their homes. The news comes as the Lakers postponed their Thursday night game against the Charlotte Hornets, as reported by ESPN. Redick had previously mentioned on Tuesday that his family had evacuated the affected area.
Expressing his concern, Redick stated, according to Sports Illustrated, "I want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades… It’s where I live. My family and my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know that a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. With the winds expected tonight, I know a lot of people are scared."
The Lakers released a statement regarding the postponement, emphasizing their focus on "what matters most today." They expressed heartbreak for the city and gratitude for first responders and those coming together during the crisis. The status of their Saturday game against the San Antonio Spurs, also scheduled to be played in Los Angeles, remains uncertain.
The Lakers aren't the only LA team affected. The Rams are considering playing their wild-card game against the Vikings in Arizona if the fires continue to impact the Inglewood area around SoFi Stadium. The Chargers, while not playing at SoFi for their playoff game, limited players' outdoor practice time due to poor air quality. They also pledged $200,000 for wildfire relief.
While LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced the Eaton Fire, which tragically claimed five lives, has been largely contained, LA City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley described the still-uncontained Palisades Fire as "one of the most destructive natural disasters in Los Angeles history."
