Luka Doncic backs the NBA Europe team in Rome under Donnie Nelson’s leadership.

Luka Doncic is supporting an ambitious initiative spearheaded by former Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson to establish an NBA Europe franchise in Rome. While early reports suggested that Dallas legend Dirk Nowitzki might also be involved in the investment group, his representatives have since denied those claims.

Rome is widely anticipated to secure one of the 12 permanent franchises planned for the new NBA Europe competition. However, the Italian capital currently lacks a top-flight basketball team capable of competing at the highest level. To bridge that gap, Nelson is leading an ownership group determined to restore elite professional basketball in the city.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the group intends to acquire the sporting rights of Vanoli Basket Cremona. The plan is to relocate and rebrand the club, entering it into Italy’s top domestic league beginning with the 2026–27 season. This newly formed team would then act as the foundation for Rome’s inclusion in NBA Europe once the continental league officially launches.

As part of the preparations, discussions have already taken place with the company that manages PalaEur, currently the largest arena in Rome. The venue is expected to serve as the team’s home court, providing a modern setting suitable for both domestic league play and future NBA Europe competition.

Doncic’s involvement adds considerable star power and credibility to the project. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who has close ties to Nelson dating back to his draft night in 2018, is reportedly part of the investor group. Nelson orchestrated the trade that brought Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks from the Atlanta Hawks, marking the beginning of the Slovenian guard’s NBA career. Their professional relationship has remained strong over the years.

Geographically, Italy’s proximity to Doncic’s native Slovenia also makes the project personally meaningful. Additionally, Nelson has been serving as a special advisor to the Slovenian national team since last summer, further strengthening the connection between the two.

The Athletic confirmed Doncic’s role in the ownership group, reinforcing earlier reports from Italian media. Initially, both La Gazzetta dello Sport and The Athletic mentioned Dirk Nowitzki as a possible investor. However, Scott Tomlin, Nowitzki’s spokesperson, clarified to journalist Marc Stein that the former Mavericks icon is not involved in the venture.

Beyond Nelson and Doncic, the proposed ownership group includes other experienced basketball figures. Among them is Roberto Carmenati, a longtime international scout for the Mavericks, known for his extensive work identifying overseas talent. Also involved is Rimantas Kaukenas, the former president of Wolves Vilnius. Kaukenas enjoyed a highly successful playing career in Italy, spending a decade there and capturing five league championships with Montepaschi Siena.

NBA Europe is projected to begin competition in the 2027–28 season. The league is expected to feature 16 teams in total, including 12 permanent franchises that will provide long-term stability and continuity. Rome is considered a strong candidate to host one of those permanent spots, provided the groundwork laid by Nelson’s group progresses as planned.

If successful, the initiative would mark a significant milestone for professional basketball in Italy, particularly in the capital city. Rome, despite its size and global prominence, has not maintained a consistent presence in top-tier European basketball in recent years. The arrival of an NBA-backed franchise could revitalize the sport locally, attract international attention, and create new opportunities for players and fans alike.

With Doncic lending his name and investment to the project, the effort gains additional momentum and international appeal. As plans continue to develop, the Rome franchise could become a central piece of the NBA’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across Europe.

The Lakers have reached their final call on Luka Doncic’s status before the Spurs game

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially confirmed that Luka Dončić will not suit up for Tuesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, as the star guard continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Dončić will miss his third straight contest after sustaining the injury during the first half of last Thursday’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. He exited the game in the second quarter after appearing to be in discomfort and did not return to the floor. Since then, the Lakers have taken a cautious approach with their franchise player, keeping him sidelined while monitoring his recovery.

The 26-year-old remains listed as day-to-day with what the team has described as a mild hamstring strain. While he has been ruled out for Tuesday, his availability for Thursday’s highly anticipated game against the Dallas Mavericks—his former team—remains uncertain. If Dončić is unable to return by then, there is also a strong possibility he could miss the NBA All-Star Weekend, which is set to take place in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome.

With Dončić unavailable, the offensive responsibility has shifted heavily toward Austin Reaves. The 27-year-old guard has risen to the occasion and delivered standout performances throughout the season. Reaves is currently averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting an efficient 50.8 percent from the field across 27 appearances. His consistency and scoring ability have been critical in keeping the Lakers competitive during Dončić’s absence.

Despite missing their superstar, Los Angeles has managed to stay afloat. The Lakers enter Tuesday’s game aiming for their 33rd win of the season and their sixth victory without Dončić in the lineup. So far, they hold a respectable 5–4 record in games he has missed, a testament to their depth and adaptability.

Dončić’s impact on the team is undeniable. He led all players in All-Star fan voting this season, collecting over 3.4 million votes and earning his sixth All-Star selection in just his eighth NBA season. His individual production has once again been among the league’s best. Through 42 games, Dončić is averaging a league-high 32.8 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.5 steals, while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc in 35.5 minutes per night.

Heading into the matchup with San Antonio, the Lakers are listed as home underdogs, with a +9.5 point spread. The over/under for the game is set at 22.5, and Los Angeles carries a +285 moneyline. Even without Dončić, the Lakers will look to defy expectations and continue proving they can remain competitive while their star guard works his way back to full health.