Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss publicly backed Luka Doncic on May 29, 2026, after the All-Star guard announced he had purchased the Italian basketball club Vanoli Cremona and intends to relocate it to Rome.
Buss replied to Doncic’s social-media post unveiling the project with a brief message of support: “Love this!” The response continues the franchise’s pattern of reinforcing its relationship with the 27-year-old, whom the Lakers acquired prior to the 2025-26 season.
Long-standing goal realized
Owning a European team has been one of Doncic’s personal ambitions since his breakthrough years with Real Madrid. At 19, the Slovenian led Madrid to the EuroLeague title and captured league MVP honors, an unprecedented feat for a teenager.
The guard’s latest venture positions Vanoli Cremona—currently based in northern Italy—for a move to the Italian capital. Doncic aims to include the club in a prospective NBA European league, though no formal league structure has been confirmed.
Lakers’ ongoing support
The Lakers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Doncic. Team officials traveled to EuroBasket in 2025 and allowed the star to return to Slovenia for the birth of his daughter during the regular season. Buss’s quick endorsement of the Rome project extends that organizational backing.
Despite his new ownership duties, Doncic has emphasized that his “top priority” remains capturing an NBA championship with Los Angeles. He plans to serve as a hands-on owner in Italy while focusing on his on-court role at Crypto.com Arena.
The franchise’s supportive culture has long welcomed player initiatives beyond basketball, and Doncic’s European expansion effort now joins that tradition.
Source: Lakers Nation
