Luka Doncic, the Slovenian basketball sensation, has opened up about how the sport offers him a sanctuary of 'peace' as he contends with significant upheaval in his personal life. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, aged 27, is currently embroiled in a highly publicized separation from his longtime partner, fashion and fitness model Anamaria Goltes, aged 28.
End of a Decade-Long Romance
The couple, who have been acquainted since their youth, began dating in 2016 and became engaged after seven years together. They welcomed their first daughter, Gabriela, in November 2023, followed by their second daughter, Olivia, in December 2025. However, Doncic announced on Tuesday that he made the 'tough decision' to end the engagement, citing a need to focus on his children amidst the turmoil.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Demands
The split has escalated into a legal dispute, with Goltes filing a petition in a California court seeking substantial child support payments and coverage for her attorney fees. Court documents, as reported by TMZ, indicate that Goltes relocated back to Slovenia with the couple's eldest daughter in May 2025 and has remained there since. The filing does not currently request a formal custody order, but focuses solely on financial support, though Doncic is reportedly advocating to have his daughters with him in the United States.
On-Court Performance and Off-Court Drama
Despite the off-court challenges, Doncic returned to the court with the Lakers, contributing to a victory over the Bulls. When questioned about balancing his professional duties with personal strife, he responded in Slovenian, 'That's life, I don't know what to say. 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.' This statement underscores his reliance on the sport as a coping mechanism during this turbulent period.
Hospital Dispute and Police Involvement
The situation intensified following the birth of their second daughter, Olivia, in December 2025. Doncic had temporarily stepped away from the Lakers to be in Slovenia for the birth, missing games against the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics. According to ESPN, a disagreement arose at the Kranj Maternity Hospital on December 6, when Doncic expressed his desire to bring Gabriela back to the United States, sparking an argument with Goltes. Police were called to the scene, though the report states that officers 'did not detect any elements of a criminal offense or misdemeanor' perpetrated by Doncic, who had already left the hospital peacefully.
Dismissing Rumors and Speculation
Amidst the public split, Doncic has been forced to address rumors linking him romantically with actress Madelyn Cline. TMZ reported on Wednesday that there is 'absolutely nothing' going on between the NBA icon and the popular Netflix actress, quelling further speculation as he navigates his personal and professional life.
As the legal proceedings unfold and Doncic continues to perform on the basketball court, his journey highlights the complex interplay between athletic excellence and personal adversity, with the sport serving as a crucial anchor in his life.
