Daughter of Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak Dies at 15

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Mitch Kupchak
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak talks to reporters at the team's practice facility in El Segundo, Calif., June 23, 2010.Reed Saxon—AP
By Mike Fiammetta / Sports Illustrated

Alina Kupchak, the 15-year-old daughter of Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, died on Monday after a lengthy illness.

The Lakers issued the following statement:

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.

Kupchak has been the Lakers’ GM since the 1994-95 season. Over that span, the Lakers have won five NBA championships and made 18 playoff appearances.

Kupchak played nine season in the NBA, including four with the Lakers from 1981-86 (he sat out 82-83 with a knee injury), winning the 1985 title after Los Angeles defeated the Boston Celtics.

This article originally appeared on SportsIllustrated.com

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