Lakers grant Wayne Ellington indefinite absence after father's shooting death

The Los Angeles Lakers have granted veteran guard Wayne Ellington an indefinite leave of absence following the shooting and killing of his father on Sunday in Philadelphia. Wayne Ellington Sr., 57, died early Monday after being found by police in a car with a gunshot wound to the head on Sunday night.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak released a statement on Tuesday prior to the team's road game against the Memphis Grizzlies:

“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 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.”

Ellington has been granted an indefinite leave of absence and it is unknown at this time when he will rejoin the team.

The Lakers' release also includes a statement from Ellington:

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

Ellington Jr. was a Philadelphia-area star as a high-schooler, earning McDonald's All-American honors in 2006 before moving on to North Carolina. He joined the Lakers this summer on a non-guaranteed deal and worked his way onto the roster in training camp.

Head coach Byron Scott spoke about Ellington's absence with reporters before Tuesday's game in Memphis:

Byron: “It’s real life stuff. It just puts everything in perspective. Wayne will be on our mind.“

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 11, 2014

The Philadelphia Daily News has more on the circumstances of Ellington Sr.'s death:

The 57-year-old man found shot to death inside a car at a Germantown intersection Sunday night was the father of a Los Angeles Lakers player, the team said in a statement Tuesday.

Wayne Ellington, a 26-year-old shooting guard who played for Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia, was signed by the Lakers in September. His father, who shares his name, was found inside an Oldsmobile about 8 p.m. Sunday night with a gunshot wound to the head, according to police.

The older Ellington died later Sunday night at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Police on Tuesday said they have no motive in the man's slaying and no suspects.

It is currently unclear how long Ellington will be away from the Lakers. Tuesday's matchup with the Grizzlies begins a stretch of six games in nine days.

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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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