In a heartfelt display of NBA camaraderie, Chris Paul reached out to his close friend and former teammate, JJ Redick, following the devastating loss of Redick’s home in the recent California wildfires. Paul informed Redick that he and Victor Wembanyama planned to present Redick’s sons, Knox and Kai, with their game-worn jerseys after the upcoming matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers. This gesture was aimed at uplifting the boys, who are avid NBA fans and had lost their cherished basketball memorabilia in the fire.
The Redick family faced significant loss when their Pacific Palisades home was destroyed by the wildfires. Among the irreplaceable items were basketball cards, jerseys, and other memorabilia that Knox and Kai had collected over the years. These items held sentimental value, many of which were signed by NBA players who had visited their home during Redick’s podcast recordings. The destruction of these mementos was a profound loss for the family.
Chris Paul and Wembanyama’s gesture for JJ Redick’s kids
Reflecting on the support from Paul and Wembanyama, Redick expressed deep appreciation, highlighting the strong bonds formed over years in the league. He noted that such gestures exemplify the brotherhood within the NBA, where relationships extend beyond the court. Redick also mentioned that Lakers guard Austin Reaves had previously left jerseys for his sons, further showcasing the solidarity and support from the basketball community during this challenging time.
In the game following this touching gesture, the San Antonio Spurs secured a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, with a final score of 126-102. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Chris Paul contributed significantly with 10 assists. Despite a strong performance from Anthony Davis, who scored 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, the Lakers were unable to overcome the Spurs’ offensive prowess. This game marked the Lakers’ return to the court after two postponements due to the wildfires, adding an emotional backdrop to the matchup.
