The LA wildfires have forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate. The most affected neighborhoods of Los Angeles are the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and San Fernando Valley and most recently Hollywood Hills. Among those affected are NBA stars Kawhi Leonard and head coach’s JJ Redick and Steve Kerr.
Steve Kerr might be working in the Bay Area, but his childhood home in the Pacific Palisades was burned down to ashes. His family members evacuated his 90-year-old mother before the fires reached their house. The Golden State Warriors head coach was shaking when talking about the devastation.
He offered condolences and prayers to those affected and added that he was terrified by the developments. Another coach terrified of the situation is JJ Redick. The Los Angeles Lakers head coach revealed that his wife and children evacuated their house in the Pacific Palisades.
Along with them, his wife’s sister and family also had to vacate their home. They are safe, but considering the reports coming in, it is unlikely that any of their properties survived. The NBA is monitoring the LA wildfires situation as the Lakers are scheduled to start their five-game home stretch on the 9th of January.
NBA superstars affected by the fires
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard took time off from basketball to help evacuate his family. He has a sprawling $17 million mansion in the Pacific Palisades, the current situation of that mansion is unknown.
Los Angeles’ most famous basketball player LeBron James’ Brentwood mansion is also close to the fire. But it is unknown if he and his family had to vacate their property. Another LA native, Russell Westbrook revealed that his family is safe. But his friends and family have lost their homes.
The fire’s impact on his hometown devastated him. However, he revealed he will try to help those affected. For someone who has been active in trying to help those in his community, it is a bitter pill to swallow.
College basketball powerhouses could suffer
Before entering the NBA, Russell Westbrook played college basketball at UCLA. Their arena, Pauley Pavilion, is close to Hollywood Hills. This could affect their NCAA season as their players could be exposed to the polluted air, which could impact their health.
Bronny James was the first family member from LeBron James’ family to attend college. He played one season with the USC Trojans at their Galen Center arena. It is closer to the center of Los Angeles. But again, with the smoke and ash polluting the air, the NCAA could also postpone their games.
With the WNBA in its offseason, this devastation might not affect Los Angeles Sparks players. Cameron Brink is in Miami for the start of the new Unrivaled League. But her teammate Lexi Brown is part of the Gil’s Arena podcast. The studio announced that they would postpone their shows due to the LA wildfires.
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