In a press release from the JBA, LaVar Ball and LaMelo Ball issued an official statement after the latter got into a physical altercation with a player from Alytus Dzukija during an exhibition game.

LaMelo, the youngest brother of Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, had this to say about the incident:

ā€œI am disappointed with what took place on court, because I want to always do the right thing. I reacted in the heat of the moment, and let my team down. Iā€™m not perfect and accept responsibility for my actions,ā€ ā€“ acknowledged LaMelo Ball. ā€œAlytus is a great team, and I have no problem with any of those players. I apologize to anyone I offended. I learned my lesson on how to stay focused, as your opponent trys to take you out of the game.ā€

LaVar Ball, Lonzo and LaMelo's father, had similar sentiments and expressed his gratitude to Alytus for hosting the JBA USA team:

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ā€œWe have to understand that in every game of this JBA World Tour we are guests, and we must respect our hosts. I am not going to analyze this situation. The bottom line is players must keep their cool, control emotions, and fight by playing competitive basketball on the court. I want to thank Alytus team and entire organization for a great game, and excellent hospitality.ā€

Meanwhile, Alytus head coach (and former Olympic bronze medalist) Tomas Pacesas was gracious in his response and, while disappointed by their lack of self-control, understanding of the temperaments of the young players:

ā€œEmotional situation, emotional game, and young players did not have proper self-control. There is no excuse for such behavior, obviously, but we as hosts, also, lacked some culture. I mean, guests must be welcomed with proper respect. I am glad we had an opportunity to play a game against JBA USA, and our young players had a chance to measure up against these talents from USA. I have no doubt that spectators enjoyed the game and the atmosphere. I donā€™t think we should talk about that unfortunate moment anymore.ā€

After LaMelo's ejection, JBA would lose the game despite holding a 15-point lead (69-54) in the third quarter. LaMelo Ball, a five-star recruit for the Class of 2019 (per ESPN) is widely expected to make the leap to the NBA and follow in his oldest brother's footsteps.