Lakers NBA 2015 News: Mitch Kupchak's 15-Year-Old Daughter Alina Passes away
Los Angeles Lakers' general manager Mitch Kupchak's 15-year-old daughter Alina Kupchak passed away on Monday morning after battling a lengthy illness.
The Lakers issued an official statement on the same day of her death.
"Alina Claire Kupchak, daughter of Lakers General Manager Mitch and his wife Claire, passed away this morning at the age of 15 after a lengthy illness. The family asks for and appreciates their privacy at this difficult time, and would like to express their gratitude for everyone's love, support, thoughts and prayers," it read.
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Laker's coach Byron Scott expressed his support and condolences for the Kupchak family saying that the whole team is affected with the news. Scott added that he gathered with the coaches on the same day and they were speechless. The coach also has a daughter and he talked about how difficult it must be for your kids to leave the world before you do.
Before ending his statement, Scott assured the Kupchak family that all the Lakers players and staff support the Kupchak family and are available in their time of need.
Aside from the general manager's own team, several basketball stars expressed their condolences for the Kupchak family on Twitter including Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.
@MagicJohnson wrote: "My condolences go out to a super friend and teammate, Mitch Kupchak and his wife Claire on the passing of their 15 year old daughter Alina."
Magic Johnson also called out to the Lakers family for them to send their thoughts and prayers to the family of their general manager.
@kobebryant also tweeted: "My prayers are with the Kupchak family. There are no words to describe such a loss R.I.P Alina #LakerFamily."
Los Angeles Clippers president and coach also sent his condolences and support to the Kupchak Family in this tragic time.
Kupchak has been Lakers' general manager since 2000 and the team won four championship titles under his management. The general manager played in the NBA for 10 years and retired in 1986. In 1985 the Los Angeles Lakers won the title after they defeated Boston Celtics.
