Lakers’ Ellington Out on Leave; Father Killed

Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington has been granted an indefinite absence from the team after his father was shot and killed Sunday night in Philadelphia, the team said Tuesday before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lakers coach Byron Scott said it was unknown when Wayne Ellington would return. “We’ll welcome him back with open arms when he decides to,” Scott said.

“My family and I are devastated by the news of my father’s murder on Sunday night in Philadelphia,” Ellington said in a statement released by the team. “We appreciate everyone’s support and ask that you respect the privacy of our family during this very difficult time.”

Lakers coach Byron Scott said it was unknown when Ellington, who played for Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia, would rejoin the team.

via Baxter Holmes of ESPN Los Angeles