NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Veteran forward Karl Malone, who will join the Los Angeles Lakers next season, has flown home to Arkansas after the unexpected death of his mother.
Malone, who is in training with Team USA for the upcoming FIBA Tournament of the Americas, flew home to Arkansas on Wednesday. His mother is believed to have died of a sudden heart attack.
"It's a pretty bad day today," said Team USA Coach Larry Brown. "I know he was really broken up."
Brown had no idea when Malone would return.
Malone, one of the great power forwards of all time while with the Utah Jazz, signed a free agent contract with the Lakers last month. He is one of the "50 Greatest Players in NBA History," a two-time MVP, a 14-time All-Star selection, an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection, and the second leading scorer in NBA history.
Team USA needs to finish first or second in the tournament to qualify for the Summer Olympics next year.
