Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his and his family’s home in the devastating January 2025 wildfires that ravaged the Pacific Palisades. This wasn’t some distant news story for him; Redick, who moved to the area in summer 2024, was right in the thick of it, experiencing the kind of loss that makes you question everything, but also, the kind that can spark incredible action. Just this week, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Palisades Recreation Center went down, and Redick, a critical force behind its rebirth, was there to see it.
From Personal Loss to Community Pillar
Twenty months ago, Redick saw his family home go up in flames. It was a brutal blow that also claimed the Palisades recreation center, the very place where he coached his sons’ basketball team. Talk about a gut punch. But Redick’s response wasn’t just to move on; he dug in deeper. He co-founded the LA Sports Strong foundation, which spearheaded multiple fundraisers to ensure that rec center would rise from the ashes. He told folks, “This place was very special to us. It was special to our kids. … My kids were here every day. I was here almost every day. This has always been sort of the hub of the Palisades.” That’s the kind of personal connection that makes a difference.
Rebuilding a Hub, Reclaiming Normalcy
The wildfires didn’t just hit Redick. The Lakers had to postpone games against the Hornets and Spurs, going nearly a week without playing. Stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis were forced to evacuate their homes, and Redick wasn’t even the only Lakers staffer to lose his place. It was pure chaos, a tragedy that left a lasting impact. Redick shared in January that it “didn’t really get normal again for a long time.” He added, “I know my boys felt it for months and months after. And it wasn’t until we felt settled again. And even that took two to three weeks of, ‘Oh, OK, we can actually turn off that valve of anxiety that we’ve had for the last 10 months.’” Now, the new center, featuring indoor basketball and pickleball courts, plus outdoor courts and playgrounds, is a physical embodiment of turning that valve off, a tangible sign of healing and hope.
This groundbreaking is more than just dirt being turned; it’s a community, scarred by disaster, building itself back up, stronger than ever. Knowing Redick’s personal investment, it’s going to be a place of joy and resilience for years to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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