Luka Doncic is going back to Europe. No, he is not leaving the Los Angeles Lakers or the NBA. Instead, he is going to make an ownership debut. Earlier in May, the 27-year-old posted on X: “Basketball is coming back to Rome 🔥.”
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On Friday, more updates dropped. And it looks like the Lakers might be losing one star from their roster. “It appears that the roster-building process for Roma SPQR is not yet complete. According to Italian media reports, Maxi Kleber, the former German national team player and Luka Dončić’s longtime teammate in Dallas and Los Angeles, is also in talks about a possible move to Rome.”
Maxi Kleber and Luka Doncic have been teammates since their days with the Dallas Mavericks. They’ve spent 8 seasons together, LA and Dallas combined. However, given the 34-year-old’s diminishing role at the Lakers, it doesn’t seem surprising that Kleber is considering moving to Rome.
Luka Doncic’s companion has played 43 games in the 2025-26 season. He came off the bench, posting 2.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 10.7 minutes. But then, the Lakers are going to lose a big talent if he leaves.
Kleber offers reliable shooting from deep, making him a useful floor spacer at both forward and center. His defensive range adds value too. He can guard different positions and provide rim protection when needed. He also knows the Lakers’ schemes well. That familiarity could help him contribute immediately without needing much time to adjust.
But if he truly shifts to Europe, Luka Doncic‘s Roma SPQR will win a talent. Speaking of Roma SPQR, Luka Doncic and former Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson purchased Vanoli Cremona, a northern Italian club.
This move could help the NBA and FIBA come further close. The NBA and FIBA are targeting an October 2027 launch for a 16-team European league. The format would blend American and European models. Twelve teams would receive permanent places. Four others could earn entry through domestic results or by winning the FIBA Basketball Champions League.
The NBA is eyeing major European cities for its planned league. Targets include London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Munich, Athens, and Istanbul. Interest from investors is already strong. Reported bids range from $500 million to over $1 billion per team. League officials could soon begin another round of bidding.
Simply put, Luka Doncic’s connection with Rome will help the NBA reach beyond the Atlantic. Moreover, he is closely related to the Italian capital. But if Roma emerges as a fair chance for Maxi Kleber, the Lakers will lose a star.