In a touching display of NBA brotherhood, Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama gave their game-worn jerseys to Lakers coach JJ Redick’s sons, who recently lost their prized sports collection in the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires.
The special moment came after Monday’s game, where the Spurs defeated the Lakers 126-102.
“Chris is like a brother to me,” Redick said of his former Clippers teammate. “He called me this afternoon and said, ‘Whether we win or you win, Vic and I are gonna go over and give your boys our jerseys.'”
The gesture meant even more because Redick’s sons, Knox and Kai, lost their entire collection of basketball memorabilia when their rented home burned down in the fires.
It was quite a collection too. For two years, while Redick ran his popular NBA podcast from home, his boys had gotten to meet countless basketball stars and collect their signed jerseys and cards.
“They had a collection of jerseys and cards,” Redick shared. “They lost all that. So, it was nice of them to do it.”
The game itself was about more than just basketball. It marked the Lakers’ return to action after a six-day break forced by the wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area.
The team worked closely with the NBA, state officials, and the Spurs to make sure the game could happen. They wanted to bring some hope back to their city.
The devastating fires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings across the region.
In recognition of the crisis, the Lakers dedicated Monday’s game to the L.A. community and the first responders who’ve been working non-stop to battle the blazes and help victims.
