Lakers coach JJ Redick, other athletes lose homes in wildfires; games postponed

The NBA postponed Thursday’s game between the Charlotte Hornets and host Lakers because of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area that have claimed over 1,000 structures in a total that reportedly includes the home of Lakers head coach JJ Redick.

ESPN reported Thursday, January 9, that Redick’s rental home in Pacific Palisades was lost in the biggest of multiple fires raging in the area that have been fueled by intense winds and low humidity.

Redick addressed the threat to his home before Tuesday’s 118-97 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said at the time. 

“It’s where I live. My family and my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know that a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family… I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure. I hope everybody stays safe.”

Olympic medals gone

New Zealand women’s national soccer team captain Ali Riley, who plays for NWSL side Angel City FC, said her home was among those burned in the Palisades fire.

“This was our home. How is this real. It can’t be real,” Riley posted on X, with a photo of a decimated neighborhood.

Three-time US Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. managed to escape the Palisades fire with his dog Puddles, his insulin and a few personal items before his rented home was lost in the blaze.

“He has also most likely lost his 10 Olympic medals, but nothing can take away his spirit that won those medals,” according to a GoFundMe page set up for him.

Lakers postpone, Rams go ahead

A new date for the Lakers’ Thursday game at Cryto.com Arena will also be announced at a later time, the league said.

“The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time,” the NBA said in a statement on Thursday. 

“We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have demonstrated enormous bravery. Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the wildfires.”

The wildfires are the most destructive in the city’s recorded history, according to Los Angeles’ Wildfire Alliance. At least five people have been killed and thousands of structures have burned along with nearly 28,000 acres. 

More than 100,000 people overall have been ordered to evacuate their homes. Major fires have come after months without rain and hurricane-force winds gusting through the region.

“We are heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other most… We’re with you, LA.”

The NHL’s Los Angeles Kings postponed their home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, with no date rescheduled at this time.

The  Los Angeles Rams said their wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood remained scheduled to go ahead.

The team previously said the game would be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona if necessary.

“The safety of the LA community is our top priority,” the Rams said.

“As with all games, the NFL has contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed.”

Horse racing halted

Santa Anita Park postponed Friday’s racing program until January 16 due to the forecast of poor air quality for the San Gabriel Valley, the horse racing venue said.

“While Santa Anita continues to remain well outside of any active fire area, the smoke from the wildfires is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s general manager.

“We also want to respect the impact that this tragedy has had on many of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires.”

The Palisades fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena are the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming nearly 28,000 acres and turning entire neighborhoods to ash. – Rappler.com