Lakers Wayne Ellington scores two points during second half action at Staples Center Sunday, January 3, 2015. Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 88-87. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News ) “
After experiencing the Lakers’ support through both a significant role and a family tragedy, Wayne Ellington had another reason to feel gracious toward them.
The Lakers contacted Ellington shortly after free agency began on Tuesday evening to express interest in retaining him, according to a league source familiar with the situation. Cleveland, Golden State, Washington, San Antonio and Atlanta also showed interest, a league source said, though Ellington hopes his future rests with the purple and gold. Ellington averaged 10 points on 41.2 percent shooting in 25.8 minutes through 65 games. That bodes similar to the career-highs he posted also under Byron Scott in Cleveland (2012-13) in points (10.4), shooting percentage (43.9) and minutes played (25.9).
The Lakers have not hesitated to support Ellington. They signed him last season as a training camp invitee. Lakers coach Byron Scott granted Ellington significant playing time. The Lakers also gave Ellington an indefinite leave of absence that eventually lasted 11 days over the murder of his father in his Philadelphia hometown.
But the affect the Lakers and Ellington have for each other might not be enough to maintain a partnership. The Lakers will put higher priority on marquee free agents. They met with Portland center LaMarcus Aldridge on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The Lakers also have another meeting scheduled with Clippers center DeAndre Jordna on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Ellington will value long-term security after playing for five teams through six NBA seasons.
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