The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, has already burned 22,661 acres in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas and destroyed over 5,300 structures. The fire continues to burn, with firefighters containing 11% of it. It has caused at least five deaths and forced the evacuation of over 40,000 people. Officials consider it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history, surpassing the 2008 Sayre Fire, which destroyed 604 structures. Strong Santa Ana winds have fueled the blaze, causing rapid spread and extreme damage.
In addition to the widespread property damage, the fire has significantly impacted several notable figures, including NBA players and coaches. Let’s look at how the fire has impacted players and coaches personally and professionally.
Kawhi Leonard: Family Evacuates From Pacific Palisades
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard missed the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 7, 2025, after his family was evacuated from their Pacific Palisades home due to a fire. The Clippers lost to the Nuggets 103-126. Leonard’s residence was in the path of the fire, which had already destroyed 1,900 structures by January 8, 2025. The fire, driven by winds up to 90 mph, has caused extensive damage across the region, including to Pacific Palisades.
Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard’s absence from the game and expressed full support for Leonard’s decision to prioritize his family’s safety. The fire has continued to spread rapidly, exacerbated by eight months of drought conditions in the region.
JJ Redick: Family Forced To Evacuate
Former NBA player and current head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers JJ Redick, who lives in Pacific Palisades, confirmed that his family had to evacuate due to the fire. Redick’s wife’s family was also among the evacuees. By January 8, the fire had already destroyed over 1,900 structures, making it the largest fire in Los Angeles history. Redick publicly acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by his family and others in the area as the fire continued to threaten homes and lives.
The fire’s devastating impact has resulted in the evacuation of more than 40,000 people, including Redick’s family. The region’s rapid evacuation highlights the fire’s intensity, which has affected the lives of residents in Pacific Palisades and beyond.
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Steve Kerr: Mother’s Home Destroyed
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, revealed that his 90-year-old mother, Ann Kerr, had lost her home in Pacific Palisades to the fire. Ann Kerr had evacuated before the fire reached her house and was staying with friends. The fire, which has burned through 22,661 acres as of January 10, destroyed over 5,300 structures, including Kerr’s childhood home.
Kerr expressed his concern for his mother’s safety and the severity of the fire’s destruction. He also extended his thoughts to all those affected by the fire, which has been one of the largest and most destructive in the region’s history.
