FILE – In this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, LaVar Ball is interviewed after a basketball game in Prienai, Lithuania. LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball are leaving their Lithuania team by mutual agreement.
(AP Photo/Liusjenas Kulbis, File)
LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball are headed back to the U.S, but not on good terms.
BC Prienu Vytautas on Thursday announced the departure of the younger brothers of Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball. The team says LiAngelo injured an ankle and LaMelo has been bothered by back pain.
Lithuanian basketball writer Donatas Urbonas reported on Twitter that father LaVar Ball told him he was pulling the boys not only for the injuries but because “I just didn’t get along with the coach.”
“We are not going to waste our time no more,” said Lavar. Nineteen-year-old LiAngelo averaged 12.6 points and 21.2 minutes in 14 games, while 16-year-old LaMelo averaged 6.5 points and 12.4 minutes in eight games.
Coach Virginijus Seskus was disappointed to learn the Ball brothers are leaving with only two games left in the season.” It’s just proof they came here to make a show, not for basketball. It’s sad they didn’t understand what we gave them. We understand how they helped us, but they don’t.”
LiAngelo left UCLA in December after he was suspended for shoplifting during the Bruins’ trip to China. He has declared for the NBA draft. LaMelo left his California high school to turn pro.
LaVar Ball told he was happy with the Lithuania, its people and BC Vytautas organization: “I just didn’t get along with the coach”
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) April 25, 2018
Vytautas coach Seskus was shocked with the fact Ball bros left the team with season not finished yet: “It’s just another proof they came here to make a show, not for basketball. It’s sad they didn’t understand what we gave them. We understand how they helped us, but they don’t”
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) April 25, 2018
Associated Press contributed to this story.
