How many lives and cherished memories have been swept away by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires? Four blazes raging across the region have caused massive destruction, engulfing nearly 12,000 structures in flames and forcing the evacuation of 130,000 and more people. Amidst the chaos, firefighters are working tirelessly, risking their lives to limit the devastation. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was mindful of both, in grief and braving through, as he penned a moving message for a Hollywood actor who has been a friend of his since his high school days.

Kareem was a student at the Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan while the actor was studying at the Long Beach High School when the two met through a common friend. “He [the common friend], always wanted me to come out and hang out in Long Beach, Long Island. It’s just too far for me. I lived at the other end of Manhattan. Finally, before we graduated, I went out there, to visit Neil, our common friend,” and both then laded in that actor’s house, Kareem had said on The Tonight Show narrating how they met each other.

That friendship has even led this actor to star alongside Kareem in a 1995 movie. Remember Mickey Gordon, the NBA referee from Forget Paris? In the movie, Gordon had hilariously dismissed Kareem from his farewell game. And Making that character of Gordon immortal was six Primetime Emmy Awards winner Billy Crystal. In the raging fire of LA, he incurred a deep loss and Kareem was all in offering a shoulder.

The LA Lakers legend took to his social media to share a few nostalgic photos of himself and his actor friend Billy Crystal. In his message for the victims, Abdul-Jabbar mentioned Crystal and his wife, Janice, who lost the home where they raised their kids and grandkids. The two had lived in that house for 45 years. 

“My thoughts go out to all my friends and everyone in LA affected by the fires and who have lost their homes. Thousands have lost their homes, including my childhood friend Billy Crystal and his wife Janice who lost their home of 45 years. Others lost their lives,” he wrote. The first picture in the post featuring Crystal and Abdul-Jabbar, who stepped into fame nearly at the same time, shows the 6x champion holding his book Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys.

He also had a few words for the firefighters who were bravely battling the situation. “About 7,500 firefighters are courageously battling an overwhelming inferno.” He also praised his My Airplane! co-star Robert Hays who “bravely helped first responders in the midst of the chaos.” Meanwhile, things are still not under control in LA.

Forecasters warn that vast parts of Southern California are once again under wildfire risks as strong winds and dry conditions return this weekend through Wednesday. Firefighters made some progress against ongoing fires overnight to Saturday morning, thanks to a brief break from gusty winds. But wind speeds are picking up and could reach up to 50 mph, with some mountains and foothill areas seeing 75 mph winds over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.

Calmer winds and higher humidity helped firefighters make progress Saturday battling an unprecedented fire siege that has raged through the foothill community of Altadena and coastal enclave of Pacific Palisades — but officials warned that Santa Ana gusts will pick up again next week and cautioned the public to stay on alert.

“These winds, combined with low humidity and low fuel moisture, will keep the fire threat in Los Angeles County high,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Saturday. “Please understand that the inevitable public safety power shutoffs that will be implemented prior to this life-threatening Santa Ana wind event are crucial to preventing new fire starts, and that they help save lives.” Like many more who lost everything in the fire, Crystal and his wife also detailed how heartbreaking this situation has been for them.

Billy Crystal opened up about his pain

The memories they made in this house were special to them. The two got married in 1970 and share two daughters Jennifer Crystal Foley and Lindsay Crystal. Conversing with the PEOPLE magazine, the couple confirmed that they lived in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and their house was among those destroyed in the fire. 

“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” Crystal’s statement read. “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton are among other celebrities who lost their homes to the fire. Three awards ceremonies that were supposed to take place that week, as well as the Oscar nominations, have been postponed or delayed due to the fire. As per reports, 5,000 structures were claimed by the Palisades fire, while 7,000 were damaged in the Eaton fire. A thorough check is yet to be done.