Los Angeles – Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić is navigating a challenging personal situation as he separates from his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes and faces a custody battle over their two daughters. The news, confirmed by Dončić himself, comes as the 27-year-old continues to excel on the court, averaging 32.5 points per game for the Lakers.
Dončić released a statement to ESPN on Tuesday, explaining the difficult decision. “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, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement,” he said. “Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness, and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”
The separation follows nearly three years of engagement between Dončić and Goltes, a Slovenian model and entrepreneur. The couple’s first daughter, Gabriela, was born in November 2023, while Dončić was still playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Their second daughter, Olivia, arrived in December 2023 in Slovenia, prompting Dončić to miss two games to be with Goltes for the birth. The circumstances surrounding the daughters’ locations are now central to a legal dispute.
According to reports, Goltes has filed a petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees from Dončić. Sources familiar with the situation, as reported by ESPN, indicate that one of Dončić’s daughters resided with him in California for three months in 2025, while the other has never been to the state. Dončić reportedly was unaware of the petition’s filing.
The core of the dispute appears to center on Dončić’s desire to have his daughters with him in the United States during the NBA season. He has consistently expressed his commitment to being an active part of their lives, but logistical challenges have prevented them from joining him full-time. This inability to reconcile his professional commitments with his family life ultimately led to the difficult decision to end the engagement.
Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers in August, demonstrating the team’s commitment to him as a cornerstone player. Sources close to Dončić have stated that he has consistently provided for his family and covers his daughters’ expenses “without limitation.” But, the legal proceedings suggest a more complex situation regarding custody and ongoing support.
The relationship between Dončić and Goltes dates back to their teenage years, with the couple officially beginning their relationship in 2016. Their connection has been a constant throughout Dončić’s rise to NBA stardom, and the separation marks a significant change in his personal life.
While dealing with these personal challenges, Dončić continues to perform at a high level on the court. His scoring prowess remains a vital component of the Lakers’ offensive strategy, and he is a key figure in their pursuit of a championship. The Lakers currently hold a playoff position in the Western Conference, and Dončić’s performance will be crucial as the season progresses.
The situation highlights the difficulties athletes face in balancing the demands of a professional career with the responsibilities of parenthood, particularly when navigating international relationships and differing locations. The outcome of the custody battle will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Dončić’s personal life and potentially his professional commitments.
As of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The Lakers have not commented on the situation beyond acknowledging Dončić’s statement. Fans and observers will be closely watching both the court and the courtroom as Dončić navigates this challenging period.
The Lakers’ next game is scheduled for March 14th against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Dončić is expected to play, and all eyes will be on his performance as he continues to balance his personal and professional life.
