Steve Kerr and JJ Redick Give Back Warriors and Lakers Create Special Night for Wildfire-Affected High School Team
In a heartwarming show of solidarity, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and former NBA star JJ Redick hosted a memorable evening for basketball players and staff from Palisades Charter High School during the Warriors’ 120-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
The special event was a gesture of support for the Dolphins, whose school and neighborhood were severely impacted by the wildfire that tore through Pacific Palisades last month. Kerr and Redick, both deeply affected by the tragedy, took this opportunity to give back to the community, which hit especially close to home.
Kerr’s childhood home was destroyed, and his 90-year-old mother, Ann, was evacuated, while Redick’s family also lost their home in the blaze. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, a former student of Pali High, was also in attendance.
“It’s been nice just to collaborate with the Lakers and hopefully put together a nice evening for the Pali team and coaches,” Kerr said. “I know a lot of them lost their homes, and JJ and I know exactly what they’re going through. If we can give them a good night, something to remember, and also help them escape what’s been happening recently, that’s hopefully a nice thing for them.”
Kerr and the Warriors presented the students with shoes and Golden State gear, with Kerr joking that he planned to convert their allegiance to the Warriors from their natural support of the Lakers. Ann Kerr also attended the game to cheer on her son’s team.
Redick, donning a Palisades Charter High sweatshirt during his pregame appearance, expressed his gratitude for the chance to support the students. “It’s nice of Steve to do, and obviously anything I can do to support people, I’ll do,” he said. He also planned to meet with the Dolphins after the game to offer further encouragement.
While the Palisades Charter High School remains temporarily closed and students are participating in online learning, the event provided an uplifting experience for the students and coaches, offering them a brief but much-needed break from the stress of the past month.
As the team watched a thrilling game between LeBron James and Stephen Curry, they witnessed LeBron put on a dazzling performance with a season-high 42 points and 17 rebounds, alongside eight assists. Curry also impressed, scoring 37 points and hitting six 3-pointers in the defeat.
Kerr and Redick’s gesture showed the power of sports to heal and bring communities together in the face of adversity, leaving the Dolphins with a memorable experience that will carry them through this challenging time.
