Kentavious Caldwell-Pope received an unexpected welcome to Philadelphia when lightning struck his new penthouse shortly after his wife, McKenzie, signed the lease.
McKenzie described the chaotic experience on TikTok, saying the strike happened only minutes after the paperwork was completed.
“Minutes after I sign the lease, you guys, I hear the loudest bang I’ve ever heard in my life,” McKenzie recalled.
Water soon began pouring into the penthouse, while the lightning strike knocked out the elevators.
Movers transporting the family’s belongings reportedly became trapped inside one and needed help from firefighters.
According to McKenzie, an electrician later told her there was a “1 in 400 million chance” of a unit being struck in that manner, although those odds have not been independently confirmed.
The unusual incident came as Caldwell-Pope begins a new chapter of his NBA career.
The 33-year-old joined the 76ers on a one-year contract after reaching a buyout agreement with Memphis.
The move also reunites him with LeBron James, his former Lakers teammate.
Caldwell-Pope played an important role during Los Angeles’ 2020 championship run before capturing another NBA title with Denver in 2023.
