Father Of Lakers Guard Wayne Ellington Shot To Death Inside Car In Philadelphia

Heartbreaking news for L.A. Lakers guard Wayne Ellington, with the player granted indefinite leave after learning his father, Wayne Ellington Sr, had been shot to death in Philadelphia on Sunday, reports ESPN.

The New York Daily News are reporting that "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."

Ellington told ABC News "I'm devastated. For a son to lose his father is very tough, it's unbelievable. It's crazy, I went from a high to the lowest point of my life.".

ABC News are also reporting that before the Lakers game against the Charlotte Hornets Ellington's father had sent his son a text message saying "Ball hard! Get the first win tonight." 

Wayne Ellington, whose father was shot and killed Sunday in Philadelphia, has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team.

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

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

Lakers coach Byron Scott told ESPN that he "got the news when I was with my family in the hallway about to go to my car. I obviously kind of dropped everything and went straight to him, spent a few minutes with him. A lot of his teammates were there, as well as his fiancé. [Hornets swingman] Gerald Henderson, who he grew up with, was there. He had a lot of support."

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said, "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."

Wayne Ellington went to Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pennsylvania, and is so far averaging 7.8 points per game for the Lakers in 2014-15. He was selected with the 28th pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and has played for five franchises in the NBA. 

Friends and other NBA players tweeted their condolences to Ellington after learning of the news. 

Thoughts and prayers out to @WayneElli22 and his family right now...

— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) November 12, 2014

Thoughts and prayers out for Wayne Ellington and his family..

— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 12, 2014

Just hearing this Wayne Ellington news. So awful. Condolences out to him & his family. Can't imagine what they are going through.

— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) November 12, 2014