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Guard Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a shot during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets.
The off-court story surrounding Luka Dončić has taken another emotional turn as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar opened up about how basketball has helped him navigate a turbulent personal chapter while continuing to deliver MVP-caliber performances.
Dončić recently confirmed that he ended his engagement to longtime partner Anamaria Goltes amid a custody dispute involving their two daughters. Despite the deep personal situation unfolding away from the court, the Lakers guard said playing basketball has provided a soft calm.
“Alright. That’s life, I don’t know what to say,” Dončić said in Slovenian. “But that’s my job, so I have to be here. They pay me a lot to play for them, so… and also basketball is giving me some kind of peace when I play a game.”
Dončić Responding With Dominant Performances
If the turmoil has affected Dončić’s play, it hasn’t shown on the stat sheet.
Since news of the custody battle and breakup became public, Dončić has produced two of the most dominant games of his season. Over his last two outings, the Lakers superstar is averaging 40.5 points, 11.0 assists and 10.5 rebounds, continuing a stretch that has further strengthened his MVP case.
He first erupted for 51 points in a 142–130 victory over the Chicago Bulls, marking his highest-scoring game since joining Los Angeles.
Just two nights later, Dončić delivered another signature moment.
The five-time All-Star recorded a 30-point, 13-assist, 11-rebound triple-double in a dramatic 127–125 overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets. He capped the performance by sinking a last-second game-winning jumper, securing his eighth triple-double of the season and his first game-winning shot as a Laker.
Dončić Confirmed Engagement End After Report
The personal situation first gained widespread attention after TMZ Sports reported that Goltes had filed a legal petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees.
Hours later, Dončić addressed the situation in a statement sent to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, confirming that the couple had separated.
“I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible,” Dončić said. “So I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement.”
McMenamin, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that Dončić learned about the filing through media reports and had not been aware of the petition beforehand.
People close to the Lakers star also told ESPN that Dončić has consistently supported his daughters financially and pays their expenses “without limitation.”
Longtime Relationship Comes to an End
Dončić and Goltes had been together since 2016 after growing up in Slovenia.
He proposed in July 2023, following several years together as his basketball career rose from European stardom to NBA superstardom.
Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in November 2023 while Dončić was still playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Their second daughter, Olivia, was born in December 2025 in Slovenia shortly after Dončić began his tenure with the Lakers.
Speculation surrounding the relationship intensified when Goltes reportedly removed photos of the couple from her Instagram account shortly before the legal news surfaced.
Dispute in Slovenia Escalated Situation
According to ESPN, tensions escalated earlier this season when Dončić traveled to Slovenia for Olivia’s birth.
He missed games against the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics in early December to be present.
A disagreement reportedly followed at Kranj Maternity Hospital when Dončić hoped to bring their older daughter back to the United States with him.
Local authorities were called to the hospital on Dec. 6, but a police report reviewed by ESPN found no criminal offense or misdemeanor by Dončić.
He left peacefully and later returned to the United States to rejoin the Lakers.
Lakers Star Finding Balance Through Basketball
While the legal process continues to unfold, Dončić said the game has provided an outlet during an otherwise difficult period.
Each night on the court has looked much the same for the Lakers superstar — dominant scoring, dazzling playmaking and leadership that continues to drive Los Angeles’ playoff push.
For Dončić, basketball remains more than a job.
It has become a rare place of clarity and peace.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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