Lakers young fan George Angelich and his dad showed up on NBA Today—and it turned into one of the most touching moments the show’s had in a while. George, who celebrated his eighth birthday days ago, is a die-hard Lakers fan. But recently, he lost his home in the Palisades fire.
He came on the show just hoping to watch NBA Today live. Said the Lakers were his team, and while LeBron was his guy at first, he’s now all in on Luka Doncic. But what really hit the crew was when George talked about losing his signed Robert Horry Lakers jersey in the fire.
Host Malika Andrews asked his dad Nick about the jersey that they owned that lost in the fires, he said:
“It’s a jersey that that we’ve had for a long time, signed by Robert Horry… Lakers legend,” Nick said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t bring it out along with the rest of our things and it’s just one of the many things that we miss.”
8-year-old George Angelich, a Lakers fan, lost his signed Robert Horry jersey in the LA fires earlier this year.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 15, 2025
Horry came on set with NBA Today to give George a brand new signed jersey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bNu76tJM88
Andrews had one more surprise, when the Lakers legend and seven time NBA champion walked into the studio with a fresh, signed jersey just for Angelich. ESPN didn’t just deliver the gift—they delivered the moment. Angelich got the jersey and got to meet the man behind it.
“So you know it’s officially signed by me,” Horry said. “I’m going to do it right here.”
Then he smiled and added,
“I’m kind of old. I’m going to get down on one knee to do this. I can still get down… Thank you for owning one of my jerseys. I played with a lot of greats, and the fact that you chose mine means a lot.”
Angelich also beamed and thanked Horry on the spot.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick knows the damage up close
In January, JJ Redick lost his rental home in the devastating Palisades fire that tore through parts of Los Angeles. Everything was gone.
The fire leveled the Palisades Recreation Center—a place that held deep meaning for Redick and his family. They were one of thousands displaced overnight in one of L.A.’s worst wildfires.
“My family, we lost our home,” Redick said (00:50). “We lost everything in it. So, everything that you’re going through right now, I’m going through.”
“That day in particular was probably the hardest day,” he added. “Because it was uncertainty.”
While the NBA world was still buzzing from the Luka Doncic blockbuster trade, Redick was grappling with personal loss. But he didn’t stay down. Lakers coach launched the LA Strong Sports Foundation for rebuilding fire-damaged community spaces—starting with the Palisades center.
READ: Lakers Teases Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic for Stealing Spotlight with Twin Look
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
