Ball brothers, slowed by injuries, leaving Lithuanian club

FILE – In this Jan. 5, 2018, file photo, basketball players LiAngelo Ball, right, and brother, LaMelo, show their shirts after signing for Lithuanian team BC Prienai – Birstonas Vytautas, during a news conference in Prienai, Lithuania. BC Prienu Vytautas on Thursday, April 26, 2018, announced the departure of the younger brothers of Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball. Lithuanian basketball writer Donatas Urbonas says on Twitter that father LaVar Ball told him he was upset over LaMelo’s diminished playing time.(AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis, File)

LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball are leaving their Lithuania team by mutual agreement.

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 says on Twitter that father LaVar Ball told him he was upset over LaMelo’s diminished playing time.

Nineteen-year-old LiAngelo averaged 12.6 points and 21.2 minutes in 14 games, and 16-year-old LaMelo averaged 6.5 points and 12.4 minutes in eight games.

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.