Why is Luka not playing this week? The Los Angeles Lakers star is away from the team for one of life’s greatest reasons. Doncic flew to Slovenia to be with his fiancée Anamaria Goltes as she welcomed their second daughter on December 4, 2025. This joyous personal milestone comes as the Lakers navigate a critical stretch of their season.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Luka Doncic is missing Lakers games for personal reasons tied to the birth of his second child
- His fiancée Anamaria Goltes, 27, gave birth to a daughter on Thursday, December 4 in Slovenia
- The couple also shares 2-year-old daughter Gabriela, their first child together
- Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic could return as soon as Sunday or by December 10 against the Spurs
What’s Keeping Lakers Star Luka Doncic Away?
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Family comes first, and Luka Doncic made that crystal clear with his decision to skip multiple games. The 26-year-old Slovenian star boarded a flight to his home country to be present for his partner during one of life’s most important moments. Anamaria Goltes delivered their second daughter on December 4, exactly two years after welcoming their firstborn, Gabriela.
Coach JJ Redick fully supported the decision, calling it a “very special reason.” The Lakers confirmed Doncic‘s absence hours before their December 5 matchup against the Toronto Raptors and again for Friday’s game versus the Boston Celtics. Both games took place without the franchise’s star guard on the roster.
How Long Will Luka Be Gone From Lakers Action?
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The timeline looks promising for Lakers fans eager to see Doncic back in uniform. Coach Redick offered an encouraging update, stating the superstar will return “soon” and didn’t rule out him playing in the Philadelphia 76ers matchup on Sunday, December 7. This would mark just a few days away from the team.
More conservatively, Redick indicated Doncic will be back before the December 10 home game against the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers are optimistic he won’t need extended time away and will be reevaluated in approximately one week. Doncic will travel as the Lakers complete their Eastern Conference road trip this weekend.
Lakers’ Recent Performance and Upcoming Schedule
| Matchup | Date | Status |
| Lakers vs Raptors | December 4 | Won 123-120 (Hachimura game-winner) |
| Lakers vs Celtics | December 5 | Without Doncic and LeBron |
| Lakers at 76ers | December 7 | Doncic return possible |
| Lakers vs Spurs | December 10 | Doncic expected back |
The Doncic Family Grows: Welcoming Baby Number Two
Luka and Anamaria have experienced rapid family growth in recent years. Their first daughter, Gabriela, turned two years old just before this new arrival. The couple’s second addition to their family marks a significant milestone as the NBA star balances professional excellence with personal priorities. Goltes, a model and businesswoman, has been supportive of Doncic’s demanding schedule while raising their growing family.
The decision to welcome their second child in Slovenia shows the family’s attachment to Doncic’s home country. Anamaria, also 27 years old, has occasionally shared glimpses of their family life on social media, giving fans rare insights into the basketball star’s personal world beyond the court.
What Does This Mean for the Lakers’ Title Hopes This Season?
The Lakers squad faces crucial decisions with Doncic absent and LeBron James managing multiple injuries. James sat out against the Celtics due to right sciatica and left knee arthritis. Players like Austin Reaves will need to shoulder additional responsibility during this stretch. Despite these obstacles, the Lakers showed resilience by defeating the Raptors in Toronto with a thrilling finish.
With Doncic expected back within days and Redick‘s optimistic outlook, the Lakers should be near full strength soon. The next week is critical as they complete a challenging road trip. Once Doncic reunites with the team, expect the Lakers to push deeper into their season with one of basketball’s most talented rosters fully intact.
Sources
- ESPN – Lakers game recaps and injury reports
- People.com – Luka Doncic family news coverage
- Sports Illustrated – Lakers and NBA updates
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.