Alina Kupchak, 15, daughter of Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, dies
The Lakers announced sad news Monday in a statement on the team’s website:
“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.”
“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,” tweeted Magic Johnson.
Kupchak is in his 28th season with the Lakers, originally joining as a power forward and winning a title with the team in 1985. He also has an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1978.
After mentoring under former General Manager Jerry West, Kupchak took over the position in 2000.
The Lakers have won four titles under Kupchak (2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010).
The Kupchak family also has a son, Maxwell Kupchak, who will graduate from Brentwood School this year.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
All things Lakers, all the time.
Get all the Lakers news you need in Dan Woike's weekly newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
