By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-09 19:55:03 | Updated at 2025-01-10 04:37:30
8 hours ago
Lakers coach JJ Redick and his young family have had their Pacific Palisades home burned down during the Los Angeles fires.
The NBA has also decided to postpone tonight's game between the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.
Redick said Wednesday that his family had already evacuated from the Pacific Palisades area, explaining: 'Our family, my wife's family, my wife's twin sister, they've evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family.'
It is the second straight day a game slated to be played in downtown Los Angeles has been postponed. The NHL's Los Angeles Kings were scheduled to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.
A statement from the NBA said: 'The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time.
'We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.'
The Lakers added: 'We're heartbroken for Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation.'
The NBA is postponing the Lakers and Charlotte Hornets game due to the ongoing fires in LA
Lakers coach JJ Redick is among the number of people who have lost their home in LA
Redick pictured with his wife Chelsea and two sons Knox and Kai back in June 2022
A pair of massive wildfires menacing Los Angeles from the east and west were still burning uncontained on Thursday, two days after they ignited, but firefighters managed to beat back another blaze scorching the Hollywood Hills.
The Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city's western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena are already the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 28,000 acres so far and turning entire neighborhoods to ash.
At least five people have been killed, thousands of structures have been incinerated and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, officials said.
While still fierce, winds have slowed slightly since the 100-mile-per-hour gusts seen earlier in the week, permitting crucial aerial support for crews on the ground.
But officials warned that wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour were forecast to persist throughout the day, and Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief, said residents should be prepared to evacuate if ordered.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard abruptly left the team before its game at Denver on Wednesday because of what the team described as personal reasons. Leonard bought a house in Pacific Palisades in 2021.
'You definitely have to take care of home. ... Totally had my support 100%,' Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
'Going back, checking on his family and kids, making sure they´re well. And he got back, and they´re doing OK, so just happy and thankful for that.'
Nearly 2,000 homes, businesses and other structures have been destroyed in the blazes
Fires in the Los Angeles area have killed five people and ravaged communities across the city
The Palisades fire has consumed nearly 28,000 acres and turning entire neighborhoods to ash
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr isn't in any immediate danger, but told reporters that his 90-year-old mother Ann was among those evacuated from the Pacific Palisades.
The NFL is paying close attention to the potential impact of the fires on the two playoff-bound Los Angeles teams´ preparations and the Rams´ wild-card postseason game against the Minnesota Vikings scheduled for Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The NFL said Wednesday evening if the game had to be moved, it would take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers both train in areas not threatened by fires, but both teams are monitoring the air quality and its potential impact on their workouts.
The Chargers changed their practice schedule Wednesday to minimize their players´ outdoor time in coastal El Segundo, while the Rams don´t resume practice until Thursday. The Chargers are on the road Saturday against the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
