Lakers Wayne Ellington takes leave of absence following father’s murder

Sending condolences to Lakers guard Wayne Ellington and his family. The guard  was granted a leave of absence from the team after his father was murdered in Philadelphia.

Wayne Ellington, Sr., 57, was found slumped inside his car Sunday in the city’s Germantown section. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Earlier that day, Ellington had sent a text message to his son, encouraging him.

“Ball hard! Get the first win tonight,” the father texted.

“For a son to lose his father … it’s very tough, it’s unbelievable. It’s crazy, I went from a great high feeling of excitement and joy to the lowest I’ve ever felt in my life,” he told ABC station WPVI-TV.

The shooting remains under investigation, with no known suspects or motive.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak issued a statement

“Our players are upset for their friend and teammate. Additionally, ownership and all Lakers employees are also saddened by this tragedy,” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “Those of us who work with and have gotten to know Wayne have come to know what a wonderful and caring person he is. Our hearts go out to Wayne and his family, as do our thoughts and prayers.”