15-year-old daughter of Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak dies after lengthy illness

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak’s daughter, Alina, died on Monday morning at the age of 15 after a lengthy illness, the Lakers announced.

“The family asks for and appreciates their privacy at this difficult time,” the Lakers said in a statement on behalf of Kupchak and his wife, Claire. The Lakers also added that the Kupchak family “would like to express their gratitude for everyone’s love, support, thoughts and prayers.”

Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter and on Facebook. E-mail him at mark.medina@langnews.com