Some things extend beyond basketball. When fires forced people to evacuate, Lakers Head Coach Frank Vogel made his home available to his former player, Paul George.

Lakers head coach Frank Vogel and Clippers guard Paul George spent a couple successful seasons together with the Indiana Pacers organization. In that time, George turned himself into a legitimate NBA superstar, and Vogel built a solid reputation for himself as a solid head coach. They have since parted ways, obviously, but that doesn’t mean the two no longer care about each other.

George was asked about his relationship with his former coach Thursday afternoon, and shared a pretty cool tidbit about where they currently stand, even if they don’t talk as often as they’d maybe like to (h/t: Tomer Azerly of ClutchPoints):

“The last time we talked was when the fires and everything was going on. He reached out, giving me support and (asked) if we needed anything. If needed a house to stay, he opened the doors for me. “But he’s got his thing going and I got mine. I’m sure we’ll talk on Christmas. I’ll send him a text before that Christmas game starts and wish him a Merry Christmas and the family. But I also talk to him holidays — Father’s Day — we’ll send messages and stuff like that.”

In somewhat related news, it’s unclear whether the Pacers have filed tampering charges against either Vogel, George, the Lakers or Clippers. But I’m sure that’s coming shortly from the NBA’s version of BBQ Becky.

George and Vogel both played crucial roles for each other in their early careers, and may not be where they are without the influence they both had on each other. It’s too bad the way things played out in Indiana after George’s injury, but it’s pretty cool to see they’ve both been able to remain close despite whatever might have gone on behind the scenes while George eventually demanded a trade.

Christmas is going to be a fun, fascinating game between Vogel’s Lakers and George’s Clippers, and their relationship just adds another level to the dynamic between these two title contenders.

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