SAD NEWS: Lakers Coach JJ Redick Says His Family ‘Evacuated’ and People Are ‘Freaking Out’ Due to LA Wildfires
SAD NEWS: Lakers Coach JJ Redick Says His Family ‘Evacuated’ and People Are ‘Freaking Out’ Due to LA Wildfires
Los Angeles, CA – January 8, 2025 – In a heartbreaking turn of events, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has revealed that his family was forced to evacuate their home due to the rapidly spreading wildfires that have been wreaking havoc across the Los Angeles area. Speaking to reporters in an emotional press conference, Redick described the harrowing situation, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty that has gripped the city as firefighters battle to control the flames.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult few days,” Redick said, his voice heavy with emotion. “My family had to evacuate our home late last night. The fires are so close to where we live, and people are really freaking out. It’s been a terrifying experience for everyone here, and the situation is still very volatile.”
Redick, who was hired as the Lakers’ head coach earlier this year, has been living in the city with his wife and children, but their safety is now his top priority. As the wildfires continue to rage through parts of Southern California, the devastation has forced thousands of residents, including Redick’s family, to flee their homes.
Fires Ravaging Los Angeles
The wildfires have been fueled by dry conditions and high winds, making them difficult to contain. Officials have declared a state of emergency in several areas of Los Angeles County, with authorities urging residents in danger zones to evacuate immediately. Redick’s neighborhood, located in one of the high-risk areas, has been hit hard by the flames, and many families have been forced to leave with little notice.
“I’m just trying to keep my family calm and stay in touch with them as much as I can,” Redick continued. “We’re fortunate to have a place to stay temporarily, but it’s hard to focus on basketball or anything else when you’re worried about the people you love. Right now, we’re just hoping and praying that everyone is safe and that the firefighters can contain this as quickly as possible.”
The wildfires have displaced thousands of families in the region, with entire neighborhoods in danger of being consumed by the flames. Los Angeles residents are grappling with the emotional toll of the fires, and the local community is coming together to support those who have been affected.
Lakers Community Offers Support
In the wake of the crisis, Redick has received an outpouring of support from both the Lakers organization and fans across the nation. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed his concern for Redick and his family in a statement, saying, “Our thoughts are with JJ and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The safety of our coach and all those affected by the wildfires is our top priority. We stand together as a team, and we’ll be here to support JJ in any way we can.”
Many of Redick’s players, including superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, also reached out to offer their support. James took to social media to send a message of solidarity, writing, “Thinking about my coach and his family right now. Stay safe, JJ. The entire Lakers family has got your back.”
The Lakers organization has also been working to provide aid to those displaced by the wildfires, with the team organizing donation drives and offering support to local relief efforts.
A City in Crisis
The wildfires have cast a shadow over Los Angeles, a city that has already been through a tumultuous year. With so many residents facing uncertainty and displacement, the community has come together to show resilience in the face of disaster. Redick’s experience reflects the broader struggles that many families are facing as the fires continue to ravage the area.
For Redick, his primary concern remains the safety of his loved ones. As he continues to navigate this personal crisis, he expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the basketball community and beyond. “I’ve been blessed with amazing people around me, both in my family and in this city,” he said. “Right now, we’re focused on getting through this, and we’re doing everything we can to help out and support each other.”
As the wildfires continue to burn across Southern California, Redick’s story serves as a reminder of the human toll these disasters take on individuals and families. The Lakers coach remains hopeful that, with the help of firefighters, local authorities, and the community, his family—and all those affected—will be able to rebuild and recover in the days ahead.
