The Lakers have been on Cloud Nine for the past couple of weeks. Of course, the biggest reason is the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to the City of Angels. Moreover, the LA franchise has been undefeated this month. That was until tonight! Yes, right before heading to the All-Star break, JJ Redick’s squad was brought back to earth with an embarrassing loss against the Jazz. But instead of focusing on the six-game winning streak being snapped, the head coach has his priorities set for this weekend. And it’s not Lakers-related.

When asked if the upcoming break is an opportunity to unplug and reset for the second half, Redick responded, “I do think I would benefit from that. My goal for All-Star break is I finalize my insurance claims and that I find an apartment to live in. So, that’s what I’m hoping for. And get out of the hotel.” Yes, JJ and his family have been living in a local hotel ever since their Pacific Palisades home tragically burned down in last month’s LA wildfires.

Of course, he could not search for new apartments because of his busy schedule as the Lakers’ head coach. But during the upcoming week-long break courtesy of the All-Star Weekend, JJ can finally prioritize his personal life and hopefully find a new home. “That would be nice.” He added. Moreover, JJ made it clear that he does not want to be bothered by any Lakers-related queries during this period and issued a stern NSFW message to his staff members, “I’m gonna tell my staff ‘Don’t f**king talk to me the next two days. If you need something over the weekend, I will be back in the office Monday.’”

Obviously, JJ had a smile on his face when he made this comment, hinting that he was not serious. However, he is looking forward to spending quality time with his family and making up for last month’s traumatic experience. He said, “I’m coaching my kids this weekend, I’ll be with my family. It’ll be nice.” Maybe this break will rejuvenate Redick and help him coach the Lakers even better in the second half.

JJ Redick suggests that living in a hotel after LA Wildfires has been bothering him

Well, JJ has been doing the best he can as the head coach amid the unfortunate circumstances. Of course, he has helped the LA franchise climb to the fifth spot in the West standings and shown a zero lack of focus. However, he has hinted multiple times that losing his home in last month’s fires has affected him. Even when Redick was asked if he had processed the opportunity of coaching a superstar like Luka after the trade, he said, “Unfortunately for me, this last month has been a lot. So, I’m not in the reflective mood just yet.”

Then again, when asked about his thoughts on the ongoing unrest in Dallas following Nico Harrison’s decision, the head coach responded, “I’m living in a hotel right now man. I could care less what other teams are doing.” So, the tragedy has had an impact on him. But if he can find a new apartment, this weekend like he plans to, Redick could focus a lot better on his day job and help LeBron James and Co. come out of tonight’s blowout loss after the All-Star break. Surely, that would be great as the Lakers lock in for the playoffs. Do you agree?