PORTLAND, Ore. -- Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak's 15-year-old daughter, Alina, died Monday morning after a lengthy illness, the team announced.
In a statement released on behalf of Kupchak and his wife, Claire, the team stated, "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."
The couple has an 18-year-old son, Maxwell.
"We're all hurt," Lakers coach Byron Scott said before the Lakers' game against the Trail Blazers. "It just kind of puts basketball in a different light. It's not that important. ... We sat down as coaches this morning and there wasn't a whole lot of words to be said. Because as a parent, all of us have kids. And especially us fathers who have daughters, I can't imagine being here and my daughter is not here. It's not the way it's supposed to happen. We send out our condolences to the Kupchak family."
Kupchak is in his 28th season as an executive with the Lakers and his 15th in his current role after taking over for Jerry West in 2000. Kupchak joined the Lakers' front office in 1986 following a 10-year NBA career.
"I'm pretty sure," Scott added, "I can speak for everybody that's been a part of that Laker family that everybody is here for Mitch and Claire right now. We're there for the Kupchak family. No matter what that may be or what he may need, we're there supporting them."
Doc Rivers, the coach and president of basketball operations for the Clippers, released a statement to the media in the wake of the news.
"On behalf of the Los Angeles Clippers, I would like to send my condolences to the Kupchak family," Rivers said. "The Clippers Organization sends our best during this difficult time."
ESPNLosAngeles.com's Arash Markazi and The Associated Press contributed to this report.