NBA Coach Forced To Evacuate Home Due To California Wildfires

Meet The Wife Of Lakers Coach J.J. Redick (1:08)

As deadly wildfires sweep across the state of California, tons of families are being forced to evacuate and leave their homes to the mercy of the flames. Among those fleeing the fires are the family of one NBA head coach.

Speaking to the media last night, Los Angeles Lakers head coach said at the end of his press conference that he was offering thoughts and prayers to those affected by the Palisades fire. But he also mentioned that his own family is being forced to evacuate the area and is “freaking out” about the situation right now. Thankfully, his family managed to get out safe.

“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.”

JJ Redick ends his press conference by expressing thoughts and prayers for those affected by the Palisades fire. pic.twitter.com/tuzJtK09kR

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) January 7, 2025

Thankfully, no deaths have yet been reported by due to the fires, but the damage to property and even people is still extensive. The Los Angeles Fire Department previously stated that around 3,000 acres still have zero containment and more than 30,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes.

Power supply issues have left over 300,000 residents without energy and forced multiple school closures.

Even the Lakers basketball team has had to delay its flight back to Southern California out of concerns over the impact of the fires.

MALIBU, CA – JANUARY 07: Firefighters battle winds and flames as multiple beachfront homes go up in flames along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu in the Palisades Fire on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images/Getty Images

Worse still, the LAFD are bracing for severe winds in the forecast that have the potential to fan the flames and cause even more damage in the days to come.

As terrible as it is to imagine, it’s entirely possible that things get worse before they get better.

We hope Redick’s family and all of the other families are able to stay safe during these dangerous times in Southern California and the surround area.