National Basketball Association

Lakers' Wayne Ellington taking leave after father's death

Published Nov. 11, 2014 6:56 p.m. ET

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Lakers guard Wayne Ellington will take a leave of absence from the team after the shooting death of his father, the team announced Tuesday.

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

Ellington's leave will be indefinite and the team did not provide a timetable for his return. He signed with the Lakers this offseason after spending the previous season with the Mavericks. He also has played for the Cavs, Grizzlies and Timberwolves.

"Our players are upset for their friend and teammate," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. "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."

Police say 57-year-old Wayne Ellington was found shot in the head in the driver's seat of a car in the Germantown section of northwest Philadelphia just after 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that he was taken to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that night. No arrests have been reported.

Ellington was not with the Lakers on Tuesday night for their game in Memphis. Lakers coach Byron Scott said in his pregame comments that he learned of the senior Ellington's death Sunday night after the Lakers win over Charlotte.

"Driving home all I did was think about (Ellington)," Scott said. "It's really just very sad news."

Scott said there is no timetable for the guard's return. Ellington will be given the time to spend with his family. "When he's ready ... I'm sure he will rejoin us."

Scott recalled that Ellington Jr. was going to his car after the game when he apparently got the news about his father. The coach said other Lakers were with Ellington when Scott reached the player.

"This is our livelihood, but this is still just a game," Scott said. "This thing that's happened to Wayne is real life. It kind of puts everything in perspective.

"I think all of us, every now and then, during the game, after the game, before the game, will have Wayne on our mind."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.