Wayne Ellington’s contract guarantee with Lakers increases

Guard Wayne Ellington initially joined the Lakers on a non-guaranteed one-year deal for $1.1 million.

On Monday, his contract became guaranteed for $581,692, locking in almost 55% of his total salary.

The sixth-year, 27-year-old guard is averaging 7.5 points a game through 10 appearances, shooting 50.0% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range.

Ellington recently returned from a leave of absence, after the tragic shooting death of his father, Wayne Ellington Sr.

A smaller portion of Ellington’s contract ($315,646) was guaranteed on Nov. 15. His full salary locks in if he’s still on the roster as of Jan. 10.

Veteran point guard Ronnie Price has a similarly structured contract, with $329,202 currently guaranteed. As of Dec. 15, the Lakers’ promise to Price increases to $658,405.

The team currently has the league maximum of 15 players on the roster, but with four players out with extended injuries, the league is expected to grant the team a hardship exception to temporarily add a 16th. Rookie Julius Randle (leg), Steve Nash (back) and Xavier Henry (Achilles’) are all out for the year. Forward Ryan Kelly (hamstring) isn’t expected back for at least a month.

With Ellington and Price’s full salary, the Lakers’ total payroll for the 2014-15 season is $69,699,818.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.