Three intense and destructive wildfires are raging in Southern California, fueled by the powerful Santa Ana winds. The evacuation orders, which now include parts of the Los Angeles area, have caused tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, and the families of two NBA coaches are among those affected.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who lives in Palisades, said Tuesday that his family had to evacuate their home due to the encroaching fire and smoke. Redick and the Lakers were not in Los Angeles, but in Texas tor a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said. “That’s where I live.
“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. From the sound of things, with the winds coming [Tuesday night], I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”
TNT reported that the Lakers’ flight back to Los Angeles would be delayed due to the fires, but the team told ESPN that they would still be departing Dallas on Tuesday night.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has also been affected by the fires. His 90-year-old mother lives in Pacific Palisades and had to evacuate her home.
“I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires,” Kerr said after the Warriors’ 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat. “My mom lives in Pacific Palisades. She had to evacuate.”
“Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying what’s happening down there,” Kerr said, “so just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of the fire. Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important.”
Kerr also said that Everett Dayton, who works for the Warriors in their player development department, grew up in Palisades and has lost his childhood home.
