Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick had matters other than basketball on his mind after revealing his family had been caught up in the wildfires that had spread through the Pacific Palisades area of the city.
Speaking before the Lakers’ 118-97 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in Texas on Tuesday night, Redick admitted his concern at what was happening back in LA.
He said: “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.”
“It is a very scary night for the people of LA.”
30,000 evacuated as wildfires threaten 10,000 homes. Winds of 83mph intensify. Sky’s @marthakelner reports from Pacific Palisades as California declares a state of emergency.https://t.co/Ustif2uPbR
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Local officials said about 30,000 residents and 13,000 buildings were under threat with the situation forecast to get worse over the coming days.
The mother of Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was another affected.
Kerr said: “I want to send my thoughts and condolences to everybody in Los Angeles dealing with the fires.
“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 the fire. Obviously the game is secondary to that and to many things in life. Perspective is important.”
