Los Angeles Lakers back to action Monday night, after having their previous two games postponed due to the devastating wildfires that have killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures in the Los Angeles area. Despite defeat 126-102 at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, an emotional moment was captured on camera after the game.
Spurs star players Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul gave Lakers coach JJ Redick’s sons their signed jerseys after Redick’s family lost ‘everything we owned that was important to us’ when their house burned down in one of the Los Angeles fires.
“You’re in the league long enough to have this big circle, and it’s the people you love, the people you love, and then it’s your brothers, and Chris is part of that inner circle of brothers,” » Redick said. “He called me this afternoon and said, ‘Vic and I are going to go – whether you win or we win – we’re going to go give your boys jerseys. He’s well aware that they’re huge.” NBA fans.
“All their basketball cards – I did a podcast from my house for two years, and all the players would come in and get a jersey or a card signed. They had a collection of jerseys and cards, and they lost all that. It’s nice of them to do that, and now they each have two. Austin (Reaves) was kind enough to leave a few in his locker after practice the other day. .I appreciate all the love, not surprised that. Chris did something like that.”
Before the game, Redick talked about how the Lakers were drawing strength from each other during this incredibly difficult time, while trying to give strength, hope and joy to those who were also affected. Doing their part to help others, the Lakers held a donation drive outside the arena before the game, and the Lakers and Clippers are among 12 Los Angeles area sports teams that are contributing more than $8 million in total to support victims in need. The Lakers also wore warm-up shirts that paid tribute to area first responders.
The Los Angeles fires continue to ravage the entire region, but confinement has slowly improved. The Palisades Fire, which has been the most destructive, is at 17%, while the Eaton Fire, the second largest, is at 35%. Around 88,000 people were evacuated from their homes due to fires that broke out on January 7.
