The ongoing Southern California wildfires have ravaged communities and upended lives, but the power of sports to heal and unite was on full display following the San Antonio Spurs’ commanding 126-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

After the competitive intensity of the game, two of the NBA’s brightest stars – Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama – gifted their signed jerseys to the children of Lakers head coach J.J. Redick. For Redick’s family, who recently lost their home and the children’s cherished collection of NBA memorabilia in the fires, the gesture was deeply personal. It was a small but significant reminder that, even in times of tragedy, kindness and connection can help provide solace.

The decision to give their jerseys was not spontaneous but rather a heartfelt act of solidarity. Chris Paul, who shares a long-standing friendship with his former teammate Redick, spoke about how deeply the tragedy had affected him.

“You play a lot of years in this league, and some guys are just teammates, you know, but J.J. is part of my family,” Paul said after the game. “Him, his wife (Chelsea Kilgore), those kids – Knox and Kai. I know a lot of people lost family members, homes, and stuff like that. It just hits different when people are close to you.”

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Paul revealed that he had approached Redick earlier in the day, wanting to do something meaningful for his boys.

“I know how big a basketball fans they are, and it’s just a tough situation, man,” Paul added, his voice heavy with emotion.

Victor Wembanyama joined in after Paul asked him to take part. For Wembanyama, the experience was a humbling reminder of the responsibility athletes carry as role models.

“Chris asked me earlier if it was okay for me to do that,” Wembanyama shared. “I didn’t know they were huge fans like this, but J.J. is a person I like, and that was directly impacted by this. If I can make those kids’ day, I’ll do it.”

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Wembanyama reflected on the larger role athletes can play, emphasizing that being in the NBA comes with a duty to inspire and bring positivity to others.

“It’s not really taught early on, but as NBA players, as role models, we can have a huge impact,” he said. “The best way to inspire people in a good way is to act healthy and be a genuine person.”

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson echoed these sentiments, offering words of support before tipoff.

“Even though we have a game tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the city of Los Angeles, the firefighters, and all others participating in the relief efforts,” Johnson said. “The images and videos of the unbelievable level of destruction of this great city is absolutely heartbreaking. And we just hope maybe tonight can be some small slice of normalcy and positive distraction at this time.”

For J.J. Redick, who has spent his career both as a player and now as the Lakers’ head coach, the gesture was deeply moving. He expressed gratitude for Paul, whom he described as being “like a brother,” and acknowledged how much it meant to his family to have this moment of light amid a dark time.

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For Knox and Kai Redick, the signed jerseys from two NBA stars won’t replace the memorabilia they lost. But they will serve as a symbol of hope and resilience—and as proof that even the smallest acts of generosity can make a world of difference.

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