Fact Check: Are Luka Doncic and Fiancée Anamaria Goltes Expecting Their Second Child?

NBA star Luka Doncic is taking a brief absence from the Los Angeles Lakers for what the team has described as “personal reasons,” with strong indications that he and his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, are welcoming their second child.

Doncic will miss Thursday’s game against the second-seeded Toronto Raptors, having returned to his native Slovenia to be with Goltes during this significant family milestone. His status for Friday’s upcoming game remains uncertain.

The couple’s first child, daughter Gabriela, was born in 2023—the same year they became engaged. Doncic had previously described becoming a father as “the happiest day of my life,” a sentiment that resonated with fans worldwide.

Goltes recently shared a series of heartfelt messages on Instagram that appear to confirm the imminent arrival of their second child. Her social media posts featured well-wishes from followers offering congratulations, breastfeeding guidance, and advice about raising two children. The messages were filled with love and support for the growing family.

Just days ago, on November 30, Doncic posted a touching birthday message to his daughter Gabriela on Instagram: “Happy birthday my little princess!.. You bring the most joy to my life! I love you, I miss you so much and I can’t wait to see you soon…”

The timing of Doncic’s absence is particularly notable as he has been in exceptional form this season. In his first full season with the Lakers, the Slovenian guard has been playing inspirational basketball, averaging an impressive 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game.

His stellar performance has been instrumental in propelling the Lakers to second place in the Western Conference standings, with the team winning 15 of their first 20 games. Doncic’s impact on the court has been transformative for the Lakers, who are enjoying one of their strongest starts in recent years.

The temporary absence of such a key player comes at a challenging time for the Lakers as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors, another high-performing team this season. Coaching staff and teammates will need to adjust their strategy to compensate for the loss of Doncic’s scoring and playmaking abilities.

While Doncic focuses on his growing family, the basketball community has rallied around the young couple with messages of support. Sports analysts note that the personal time taken by athletes for family matters has become increasingly accepted in professional sports, reflecting a shifting culture that prioritizes work-life balance even at the highest levels of competition.

The couple’s journey from their native Slovenia to basketball stardom in the United States has captivated fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Both Doncic and Goltes have maintained strong connections to their homeland while building their life together in America.

As the Lakers continue their season, fans eagerly await updates about the new addition to the Doncic family and the star player’s return to the court.