Saddened By JJ Redick & LA Community, LeBron James Confirms More Personal Loss in Wildfire Tragedy
via Imago
“I was not prepared for what I saw. It’s complete devastation and destruction.” As his home went up in flames with countless others, a helpless JJ Redick was left heartbroken at the horrific visual. Well, that’s the damage the LA wildfires have caused in the last week.
Even the Brentwood area, where LeBron James lives in his multi-million-dollar mansion, was affected by the tragedy. Sure enough, the Laker was left devastated by his head coach’s personal loss and sent out his prayers to the locals as he made a shocking confession.
Addressing the catastrophe on the GoJo And Golic pod, LBJ said, “Condolences and prayers and everything goes out to the City of Los Angeles.
Obviously, the Pacific Palisades, Hollywood Hills, and all the surrounding areas. For families, family members that’s been lost.”
Unfortunately, the wildfires have claimed 24 lives and there are many people still missing. Thousands are left without a home as the fires have cost the city upwards of $135 billion. And LeBron was deeply saddened by the pain the LA locals have endured.
Turns out, even his close friends have been affected by it. “Obviously, a lot of homes have been lost and burned down.
You mentioned our head coach, JJ Redick, and a few dear friends of mine as well who lived in the Pacific Palisades. It’s something that we have never seen before in this community.”
Yes, although LeBron’s family is safe and sound, his connections run deep in the Palisades and many people he knew suffered tragic losses. Lakers staff member Rohan Ali revealed that his parents lost their only home, which led to Anthony Davis making a heartfelt $20k donation for the fundraiser.
Jarred Vanderbilt also pitched in with a 4k contribution to help the team videographer’s family. But while the wounds of the tragedy are still fresh, it’s time for LBJ and Co. to get back to their job.
Of course, the Lakers’ schedule also took a massive halt because of the situation in LA. That’s why the first 2 games of their upcoming home stand were postponed. But after a week-long hiatus, they will finally return to the court tonight.
Their opponents? San Antonio Spurs. And LeBron quickly addressed his expectations from the Purple and Gold side franchise going into the crucial second half of the season. “We’re not the team I believe we’re gonna be once February and March hit, but I do like our chances. And we gotta continue to put the work in. That’s all that matters.”
Well, the Lakers are sixth in the West and these next few games at home can really boost them in the standings. But the team will have to lock in for that to happen.
And LBJ is ready to put in the work. Meanwhile, the 22-season veteran is also hoping for the LA community to work as a team and come out of this calamity stronger, “We hope we all can just wrap our hands around each other and continue to give each other strength throughout this difficult time and see the greater side of it than the not so great.”