Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently opened up about the emotional turmoil he experienced after losing his rental home in the Pacific Palisades wildfires. During a media availability session following a Lakers practice, Redick shared his raw emotions and perspective on the devastating event.
Redick, who was on the road with the team when the fires broke out, recounted the moment he saw the destruction for the first time.
“I was not prepared for what I saw,” Redick said, visibly emotional. “It’s complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village, and it’s all gone. I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that. Our home is gone. Everything we owned that was of any importance to us—almost 20 years together as a couple and 10 years of parenting—was in that house. There’s certain things you can’t replace, that will never be replaced.”
The wildfires in Los Angeles have been particularly destructive this season, with multiple fires burning across the region. The Palisades Fire, one of the largest, has scorched nearly 20,000 acres and is only 6% contained. The fires have destroyed over 10,000 homes and businesses, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and tragically claimed at least 11 lives.
In his seven-minute monologue, Redick also expressed his gratitude for the support he and his family received from the Lakers organization and the community.
“The Palisades community has really been so good to us,” he said. “It’s been sad, because this is my fourth year here, and LA has shown me nothing but love since Day One when I got here.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick with a lot of perspective on losing his rental home in Pacific Palisades and supporting his neighbors pic.twitter.com/1RvQSCbYMD
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 10, 2025
Redick’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of community and support during difficult times. His emotional, but reflected response definitely highlights the strength and character he brings to the Lakers organization.
Below are links to resources to help the victims of the wildfires:
Los Angeles fires charity navigator
Make a tax-deductible gift to the California Fire Foundation
Helping people affected by California wildfires