By Mitch Chortkoff
Sports Editor
The father of Laker guard Wayne Ellington was shot to death in a car in Philadelphia last week.
Ellington has been granted a leave from the team.
“He needs time to grieve and he’ll be welcomed back whenever he decides to return,” said Coach Byron Scott.
On Sunday night, November 9, shortly after the Lakers earned their first win of the season, Ellington learned of his father’s death as he was about to depart from Staples Center.
“He had the support of teammates and Gerald Henderson, who had just played (for Charlotte) against us,” said Scott.
Henderson also played at North Carolina.
Police in Philadelphia said they had no suspect and knew of no motive for the killing.
Ed Davis, like Ellington a new member of the Lakers this season, knew Ellington when they both played at North Carolina.
“He’s a wonderful guy,” said Davis. ‘I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Wayne.”
The father also had the first name of Wayne.
“We’ll be trying to win games, of course, but something like this brings us back to reality, the things that happen in life,’ said Scott.
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