Tragic news has hit the Los Angeles Lakers organization

Unfortunate news has stricken the Lakers organization this week. Early Sunday morning, Wayne Ellington Sr., 57, was found slain inside his car in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. The father of the Lakers guard was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.  Earlier that day, Wayne Ellington received what would be his father’s last words via text on game day which read “Ball Hard! Get the first win tonight”. The Lakers would win, making it the first win of the season in a 107-92 effort against the Charlotte Hornets in which Wayne dropped 9 points off the bench.

Shortly after the news, Wayne Ellington released this statement to  Philadelphia ABC station WPVI-TV:

“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”

The Lakers have granted the young guard time away from the team to be with his family and the organization sends out their condolences. Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak released a recent statement following the news. “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.”

Thoughts and prayers from us go out to Wayne Ellington and his family. –@Drewtheabstract