Atlanta Hawks’ Nick Van Exel’s Son Confesses to Murder

The son of Atlanta Hawks assistant coach and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Van Exel has been charged with the murder of a close friend.

Dallas police state that Nickey Van Exel, 20, shot and killed Bradley Bassey Eyo at a residence in Garland, Texas, a Dallas suburb, then dumped the body near Lake Ray Hubbard less than a mile way. Investigators suspected Van Exel immediately, who turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, Dec. 29, police said.

The attorney for Van Exel told the media that he and Eyo were playing with a shotgun when it accidentally fired, according to the Associated Press. Van Exel “panicked” when he moved the body, the attorney said.

Van Exel is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Hawks officials told the media their thoughts and prayers were with the Van Exel family.

Nick Van Exel played for six teams over a 14-year NBA career. The flashy left-handed point guard was an All-Star with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1998 as Kobe Bryant‘s teammate. He developed a reputation as a clutch shooter in late-game situations. –terry shropshire