Wayne Ellington’s Father dead at 57 in Philly
The Los Angeles Lakers released information that the father of Lakers shooting guard and North Carolina Tar Heel Wayne Ellington was shot dead in Philadelphia, PA. The fifty-seven year old father of Ellington was found dead in his car.
More from North Carolina Tar Heels
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
- Four North Carolina players selected in first round of MLB Draft
- UNC Destroyed by Coach Duggs and Tennessee in NCAA Football 14
- UNC Basketball: Former Tar Heel star calls out Roy Williams
Ellington spent an off season on a roller coaster, appearing on four different rosters since May. He was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks. The New York Knicks traded him to the Sacramento Kings, who released him. Ellington joined the Lakers as part of the experiment to just throw players around guard Kobe Bryant and see what happens. Ellington is contributing almost eight points a game and just over three rebounds.
Oct 29, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington (2) in the first half during the home opener at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 119-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ellington is taking a leave of absence to deal with what will no doubt be a difficult time for him. There is no timetable for his return, but the Lakers could certainly use him whenever he comes back. The Lakers have already lost Steve Nash and Julius Randle to injury on the season.
Perhaps Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said it best: “Our players are upset for their friend and teammate. Additionally, ownership and all Lakers employees are also saddened by this tragedy…Those of us who work with and have gotten to know Wayne (junior) 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.”