Luka Dončić has stepped away from his Los Angeles Lakers duties to embrace a major moment in his personal life. The 26-year-old superstar guard traveled home to Slovenia after his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, welcomed their second daughter. The couple celebrated the arrival of baby Olivia on December 4, 2025. During his time away, the Lakers listed Dončić as out for “personal reasons,” giving the new father space to be with his growing family before returning to the lineup.
Lakers Star Luka Dončić Celebrates The Birth Of Baby Daughter Olivia
Dončić’s absence began with the December 4, 2025, matchup against the Toronto Raptors, as he traveled to Slovenia to be present for the birth of his second daughter. He confirmed the news on Instagram early on December 6, proudly sharing the announcement and captioning it, “Olivia💕!”
Dončić and his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, are now parents to two daughters, with newborn Olivia joining her two-year-old sister, Gabriela Dončić. Despite missing two games, the Lakers managed to navigate the stretch with mixed results.
They pulled out a narrow 123-120 victory against the Raptors, but the ripple effects of Dončić’s absence were clear. With the league’s leading scorer sidelined, currently averaging a career-best 35.3 points per game along with 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists, other players were forced to assume larger roles, affecting the team’s rhythm and shot distribution.
Losing a player who drives so much of the offense inevitably shifts how the Lakers operate on both ends of the floor. After stepping away for family reasons, Dončić has now been removed from the injury report and is expected to return for the Lakers’ upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the end of his brief time away.
Despite this, the Lakers remain firmly positioned among the top teams in the Western Conference, and Dončić’s return is anticipated to bring renewed stability as they enter a crucial portion of the season. The arrival of baby Olivia adds a joyful chapter to Dončić’s life off the court, making this a meaningful moment for the superstar and his growing family.
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Dončić currently leads the NBA in scoring with 35.3 points per game, while also averaging 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists, making him arguably the most dangerous two-way weapon on the Lakers’ roster. During his absence, the team split their road trip 1–1.
The offense looked noticeably different without his presence, forcing others, most notably Austin Reaves, to step up and shoulder a heavier load. Still, the return of Dončić restores the Lakers’ core offensive rhythm and rebalances their shot distribution.
With fellow star LeBron James listed as questionable due to sciatica and left foot joint arthritis, Dončić’s return arrives at a crucial moment, providing a much-needed boost as the Lakers aim to maintain their standing near the top of the Western Conference.
Luka Dončić Expected To Make Return vs. 76ers Following Family Absence
Luka Dončić is expected to return to the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup tonight as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers. The superstar guard had missed the previous two games while in Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter with fiancée Anamaria Goltes.
Dončić traveled home earlier in the week after Goltes gave birth to their newborn daughter, Olivia Dončić. The Lakers had officially ruled him out for both the matchup against the Toronto Raptors and the following game against the Boston Celtics.
On Friday, head coach JJ Redick hinted that Dončić could return “soon,” possibly in time for the 76ers game. The team confirmed his availability ahead of tip-off, signaling a timely boost for Los Angeles as they continue navigating a demanding stretch of the season.
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If Dončić suits up, the matchup will immediately take on a high-stakes tone, pitting him against the 76ers’ explosive offensive core. His return injects the Lakers with much-needed scoring firepower, playmaking, and overall stability. The 76ers, meanwhile, will try to capitalize on any lingering defensive gaps created during L.A.’s recent stretch without their star.
Tonight’s tip-off features two teams jockeying for position, and with Dončić back in the mix, the Lakers stand a far stronger chance of closing out their road trip on a high note.
