- Kawhi Leonard and JJ Redick among those affected by LA Wildfires
- Leonard missed the LA Clippers game against the Denver Nuggets to support his family
- Over 130,000 people have been evacuated across Los Angeles so far
Kawhi Leonard and JJ Redick are among the prominent NBA names that have been affected by the uncontained wildfires currently wreaking havoc across Los Angeles.
Three wildfires are currently raging across southern California, burning over 30,000 acres of land and property and displacing over 130,000 people at the time of writing.
Two of which are Leonard and Redick. Clippers small forward Leonard missed their game against the Denver Nuggets to support his family, who live in the Pacific Palisades – an area that has been severely affected by the fires.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue shared his support for Leonard, saying, “You definitely have to take care of home. Totally had my support 100%. 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.”
Speaking on Tuesday, Lakers coach JJ Redick shared the emotional toll the fires have caused his family, who had to also evacuate their home in the same area.
š JJ Redick Family Evacuates Palisades Wildfires
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 8, 2025
Lakers Coach Says Family āFreaking Outā pic.twitter.com/gsNbyQAz8M
“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 (on 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.”
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also revealed that his 90-year-old mother’s home had tragically burned down, in a post-game press conference on Tuesday night after the Warriors lost to the Miami Heat.
“I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires. My mom lives in Pacific Palisades. She’s had to evacuate.
“Everything I’m seeing and reading is just terrifying, what’s happening down there. So just want to send thoughts to everyone who’s going through the devastation of fire. Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important.”
For anyone looking to help the victims of the devastating fires across Los Angeles, there are several charities HERE that are taking various donations as well as the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.
(H/T Times of India)
