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Recent Lakers Forward Could Leave for Luka Doncic-Owned Club in Rome
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- Recent Lakers Forward Could Leave for Luka Doncic-Owned Club in Rome
Star Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic may become the employer of one of his longtime NBA teammates after a recent business move.
It's been speculated on for weeks that Doncic could be making a move to purchase an ownership in the Rome-based BC Roma SPQR of the EuroLeague, the club that took over the competitive rights of of Cremona, but recent developments have made that speculation more concrete.
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Doncic was recently spotted in Rome and made it clear that he was part of the investment structure of the newly-transformed Italy-based club, but the Slovenian star's business moved aren't the most interesting wrinkle in this story.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) laughs with forward-center Maxi Kleber (14) during pre-game warmups during a game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Kleber Joining BC Roma
What is interesting is that while the club's final roster isn't yet complete ahead of the season, which tips off Sep. 24, a former longtime teammate of Doncic from both Dallas and Los Angeles is reportedly in talks to join the squad.
Per a report from SportKlub.si , translated into English by HoopsHype , forward Maxi Kleber is in talks to join BC Roma, which puts an interesting new spin on his relationship with Doncic.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) and Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) after scoring during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kleber debuted with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017, one season before Doncic himself debuted with the Mavericks, and played there eight seasons before joining the Lakers last season, meaning that Doncic has played at least a portion of every season of his NBA career while sharing a uniform with Kleber, but could now be the owner of the team Kleber plays on.
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While Kleber joined the Lakers last season, he didn't make much of an impact. Appearing in 43 games and starting in one last season, Kleber averaged 2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.3 blocks in 10.7 minutes per game.
Teammate To Team Owner
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) collects a rebound over guard Luka Doncic (77) and Memphis Grizzlies forward David Roddy (21) during the second half at FedExForum. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Standing at 6'10, Kleber has the size to still be an effective player and could still make an impact within EuroLeague should he finalize a deal with BC Roma, but the idea of joining a team that's at least partially owned by his former teammate does introduce an interesting dynamic into their already lengthy relationship.
Of course, chances are that Doncic will be a mostly, if not entirely, hands off owner considering that he has his own basketball career to worry about while BC Roma is playing an ocean away, and his relationship with the team will be a financial one.
But if nothing else, it's a fun and an unexpected new development in the relationship between two players that essentially grew up together within the NBA.
