Lakers’ Wayne Ellington thankful for team support through family turmoil

FILE PHOTO: L.A. Lakers guard Wayne Ellington, left, likely to see increased starter's minutes as Byron Scott rotates Kobe Bryant in and out of the lineup. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

FILE PHOTO: L.A. Lakers guard Wayne Ellington, left, likely to see increased starter’s minutes as Byron Scott rotates Kobe Bryant in and out of the lineup. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The pain might still linger in Wayne Ellington’s right shoulder, the grade 1 separation that he suffered on April 1, 2015 still keeping him a couple of weeks away from shooting with his right hand. The frustration over the Lakers’ unsuccessful 2014-15 season may still feel raw, too.

But nothing will prove more devastating for the 27-year-old Ellington than what he experienced on Nov. 7, 2015, the night that his 58-year-old father was murdered in his Philadelphia hometown. Yet, Ellington found joy in the 2014-15 season partly because of the Lakers’ unyielding support. They granted him an indefinite leave of absence that lasted 11 days. Ellington had said key Lakers figures, such as coach Byron Scott, general manager Mitch Kupchak, executive Jim Buss, trainer Gary Vitti and teammates Kobe Bryant and Ed Davis constantly checked in to keep his spirits up.

“Coaches and the organization, teammates, everybody was so great,” Ellington said on Tuesday after having an exit meeting with both Scott and Kupchak at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo. “Everybody was so welcoming back when I came back from things. It really helped me get away and focus on something I love to do and be here.”

Ellington soon treated his profession as a personal refuge. Amid his family tragedy, it became relatively easier for Ellington to handle other challenges that included adjusting as a backup shooting guard toward becoming the Lakers’ definitive starter once Bryant suffered a season-ending right shoulder injury in late January. Ellington averaged 10 points on 41.2 percent shooting in 25.8 minutes through 65 games. He also recorded his first career double double (15 points and 10 rebounds against Utah on Feb. 25) and set single-game career marks this season in points (28), field goals (12), rebounds (10) and assists (six).

Ellington also felt struck strong relationships with two key figures. One was Davis, who Ellington said was “probably closest” after playing together at North Carolina and winning the 2009 NCAA men’s basketball championship. Ellington also reconnected with Scott, who also coached Ellington with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2012-13) when he averaged career-highs in points (10.4), shooting percentage (43.9) and minutes played (25.9).

“Coach and I have a really good relationship,” Ellington said. “We’re more than just co-workers. At the same time, I think he trusts me on the floor and realizes I’m not going to make a lot of mistakes. I’m not going to hurt the team. I’m going to try to play the right way every time I’m out there. I think he respects that being from a player and I’m a guy who knows how to play the right way. It’s about winning first before himself.”

So as he sets to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Ellington could heavily factor in the Lakers’ support and his breakout season that would tilt into the purple and gold’s favor.

“I flat out told Coach and Mitch that I want to be back. I want to be back,” Ellington said. “At the same time, none of us are new to this and we know how the business goes. They both thought I helped myself this season and there’s going to be a market for me. But you never know how it might go.”

The Lakers also would like to retain Ellington, but they will put a higher priority on fulfilling their roster needs through the NBA Draft on June 25 and through marquee free agents beginning on July 1. Meanwhile, Ellington conceded that “obviously everybody wants to sign a longer deal and have stability.” He signed with the Lakers before training camp on a one-year, non-guaranteed deal worth $1.1 million and has played with four other teams in his six-year NBA career, including Minnesota (2009-11), Cleveland (2012-13), Memphis (2012-13) and Dallas (2013-14).

Consider all those variables, and it appears the Lakers and Ellington will largely favor each other while remaining mindful of the unpredictable marketplace.

“I would love to be back,” Ellington said. “Just going through a lot in life and with this organization, everybody supported me. It means a lot to me. I made some great relationships with people this season. You never want to leave something that has been great to you. You always want to be loyal. But at the same time, you always have to remember that it’s a business.”

But before clarity emerges on his future, Ellington pledged to focus on his craft.

Though his injured shoulder feels “a lot better now,” Ellington will patiently wait to fully heal. He will then work on various nuances Scott encouraged him to improve. Ellington plans to fine tune his ball handling. He wants to add quickness to his shot release. Ellington wants to attack the basket more so he can draw more trips to the foul line.

All of which would continued a pattern in which Scott witnessed Ellington’s development. After seeing Ellington as strictly a catch-and-shoot player in Cleveland, Scott praised Ellington for improving this season in creating his own shot. Scott also routinely praised Ellington for his steady play.

“This is a season where I got to show a lot more of my skills than I have in the past on other teams with guys going down,” Ellington said. “I hope that was a good thing and made a lasting impression.”

It sure did for Ellington, who will forever feel indebted to the Lakers for their support regardless of how their partnership turns out.

“It’s tough being a free agent,” Ellington said. “I felt like I’ve made a lot of great relationships here with the Lakers and knowing coach already. It’s been huge for me. I feel like it’s going to be a summer where I would like to be back with the Lakers. But you never know in this business.”

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