Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed concern for his family and others affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles before the team's game against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Prior to the Lakers' 118-97 defeat, Redick shared that his family had been forced to evacuate their home in the Pacific Palisades area, acknowledging the distress felt by many residents in the region.

Redick stated, 'I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now. That's where I live.' He went on to say that his family, including his wife's family and her twin sister, had to leave their residences due to the imminent dangers posed by the fires. He highlighted the fear and anxiety that many in the community were experiencing, particularly with rumors of strong winds complicating the situation as the night progressed.

According to reports from area officials, approximately 30,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders, with over 13,000 structures deemed at risk. Fortunately, no injuries had been reported. The fires, which began on Tuesday morning around 10:30 a.m., have been intensified by a significant Santa Ana windstorm—the most powerful to impact Southern California in over a decade. With multiple fires recorded, including one in Pacific Palisades and two others in Los Angeles County, thousands of acres have been affected, leading to the destruction of homes and property. The Lakers, scheduled to return home after the road game, planned to fly back despite potential smoke-related complications in the airspace, as they anticipate a five-game homestand beginning with the Charlotte Hornets.