Featured Columnist IVJanuary 8, 2025
Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said prior to Tuesday’s 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks that his family had to evacuate their homes due to the L.A. wildfires.
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now. 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.”
Per ESPN, area officials estimated Tuesday that about 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders and 13,000 structures were at risk, but no injuries had been reported.
The fire began at 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, and it has been exacerbated by a Santa Ana windstorm that the National Weather Service (h/t ESPN) is calling “the strongest to hit Southern California in more than a decade.”
According to CNN, there are four fires in total, with one in Pacific Palisades and three others in Los Angeles County.
The fires have reportedly burned through thousands of acres, destroying homes, vehicles and other property along the way. Los Angeles is in a state of emergency as a result.
Tuesday night’s game against the Mavericks was a road tilt, and the Lakers were scheduled to head back home afterward.
The team reportedly still planned to fly back home Tuesday night despite “the potential for smoke-filled skies in the L.A. area forcing alternate routes,” per ESPN.
A five-game homestand is on the tap for the Lakers, as they are set to host the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs twice, Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets from Thursday through Jan. 17.
