Father of LA Lakers player Wayne Ellington shot, killed in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (KABC) -- The father of Los Angeles Lakers player Wayne Ellington was shot and killed over the weekend in Germantown, Philadelphia.

Wayne Ellington Sr., 57, was found slumped behind the wheel of a car in the 5200 block of Marion Street at 8:00 p.m. Sunday. His car had hit two parked vehicles. He was taken to Einstein Medical Center in critical condition and died several hours later.

Ellington Jr., a guard for the Lakers, received the devastating news about his father after his team's win on Sunday night.

"He said, 'Ball hard! Get this first win tonight,'" Ellington Jr. said as he reflects on the text message he received from his father right before his NBA game. "He played a huge role in me playing basketball. He put me in a league at 5 years old."

Ellington Jr. was a standout basketball player at Episcopal Academy High. The hometown hero then went on to North Carolina to play before being drafted into the NBA, making his father proud.

"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," he said.

Ellington Sr.'s wife of 34 years got the news about her husband over the phone.

"I could hear crying, screaming and crying in the background so I knew it wasn't good news. They called me back to let me know that it was worse than what we thought," said Elaine Ellington.

Homicide detectives are investigating the shooting as a murder. Police say, so far, there are no known suspects or a possible motive.

"It's going to come out, it always does. Philly is not that big of a place, people talk. Whoever did this is going to get what they deserve," said Ellington Jr.

The basketball player is now on leave from the Lakers to grieve with his family as they hope to get answers.

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak released a statement, saying: "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."