Lakers Free Agency: Wayne Ellington signs with the Nets

Wayne Ellington has accepted a 1-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets worth $1.5 million, according to a report by Tim Bontemps of the New York Post and Fox Sports. Ellington signed on with the Lakers last summer as a backup shooting guard but ended up starting a career-high 36 games thanks to a string of injuries.

Ellington has bounced around the league for much of his career, including a short stop in Cleveland where he played under then-Cavs coach Byron Scott. He found himself as trade fodder a few times during the summer of 2014 until he was ultimately waived by the Sacramento Kings. Ellington then signed with the Lakers, hoping that reuniting with Scott could help reignite his career.

Tragedy struck in early November when his father was murdered, and Lakers players and fans rallied around their new backup guard. After a grieving period Ellington returned to the Lakers and soldiered on, playing quality basketball in spite of his immense loss. As the season progressed Ellington's skills as a creator were displayed more, which meshed nicely with his deadly outside shooting and steady defense. He posted career-highs with averages of 10 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

While he played well for the Lakers, most assumed that Ellington would not return next season due to the emergence of Jabari Brown, a young shooting guard with similar strengths but more upside and a cheaper contract.

Lakers fans wish Wayne the best of luck in New Jersey. While he may have only been a Laker for one season his ability to overcome personal tragedy will not be soon forgotten.