The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick, disclosed that his family lost their home in the recent wildfire affecting Pacific Palisades. He spoke about the loss for the first time during a practice session on Friday, visibly emotional.

“I was not prepared for what I saw… It’s complete devastation and destruction. I had to go a different way to the house, but I went through most of the village, and it’s all gone. Our home is gone.”

Redick noted that the fire occurred while the Lakers were traveling to Dallas. His wife, Chelsea, and their two sons were safely away when the fire hit. Upon returning to Pacific Palisades on Wednesday, he was struck by the destruction surrounding his neighborhood.

In addition to losing their home, Redick expressed sorrow over losing a recreation center where he coached basketball for his children.

“Everything that we owned that was of any importance to us in almost 20 years together as a couple and 10 years of parenting was in that house. There [are] certain things that you can’t replace, that will never be replaced.”

Despite the tragedy, Redick returned to coaching with the Lakers, who planned to maintain their schedule. Other Lakers games were postponed due to the impact of the fires on the community.

Guard Austin Reaves emphasized the team’s desire to play, noting that it could provide some relief to a grieving city. “It’s just sad. People having to leave their homes… it’s just a tragedy.”

The Lakers are preparing for their upcoming games, hoping to offer some joy to Los Angeles amidst the devastation.