About 45 minutes after his game on Sunday night, a worried Paul George refreshed a webpage on his phone to check for updates on the Pacific Palisades fire in Los Angeles. At that time, the Philadelphia 76ers player found out that his home was “still standing,” even though it was only two blocks away from the fire.
“I’ve been getting as much feedback as I can. The area is blocked off to go to my house. So, the people who can have been giving me feedback that the house is still standing. There are also apps that you can check to see where the fire is,” George told Andscape after the Sixers’ 104-99 road loss to the Orlando Magic.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection listed three ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, including the Palisades Fire. The fire began on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades area and has destroyed around 5,000 buildings, as reported by ABC News on Monday.
The fire, which is about 20 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, had burned 23,713 acres and was only 13% contained by Monday morning.
George shared that his wife, Daniela, and their three children are now living in the Philadelphia area instead of their Pacific Palisades home. A friend who was staying at their home in Pacific Palisades has followed the recent evacuation order.
“Obviously, it’s a challenging time, but I do appreciate first responders, paramedics, fire fighters, everybody that’s kind of helped lead the charge,” George said. “It’s been messy from what I’ve been reading with no water to fight the fires and winds.
They couldn’t really contain [the fires] because of the winds. So, just know they’re on my heart. Wish there was things that I could do. But they’re on my heart, they’re on my mind. [I] Just pray that there is an ending solution to it all.”
George, originally from Palmdale, California, played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2019 to 2024. He purchased a home in Pacific Palisades, a wealthy neighborhood in West Los Angeles, in 2019.
This area is known for its expensive homes, beautiful landscapes, boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, top schools, and a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere.
Pacific Palisades is home to many celebrities, including George, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick, and Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and former NBA player Kiki Vandeweghe also grew up in the area.
George described the Palisades as a tight-knit community, with places like Palisades Village, where locals gather to enjoy restaurants and ice cream. His family often visits the area for these activities.
George mentioned that it’s sad to see how the community has been affected, especially with people like Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green also being part of this close community. The fire that recently affected the area has caused many to lose their homes, including the houses of Redick and Kerr.
George shared that the fire has been on his mind as he continues to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. He acknowledged that it has been hard to stay focused on games while worrying about friends and family in the area.
His own home is safe for now, but he is concerned about the situation. Many people he knows, including close friends whose kids went to school in the area, have lost their homes, and it’s been a difficult time for everyone.
George, who signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers last offseason, is having a strong January after a slow start. He is averaging 21.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. However, the 76ers have had a rough start to 2025 with a 2-5 record in January, after finishing 2024 with four straight wins.
In addition, star center Joel Embiid, the 2024 NBA MVP, has missed games due to a foot injury and has only played two games this month. The 76ers face tough games ahead, including against George’s former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New York Knicks.
George spoke about adjusting to some physical issues with his body but emphasized that he is finding his rhythm and improving as he plays more games and takes more shots.
