Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic displayed remarkable focus and professionalism as he arrived for Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. This marked his first public appearance since confirming his split from longtime fiancee Anamaria Goltes, which coincides with a deepening legal battle over child support and custody of their two young daughters.
Professional Demeanor Amid Personal Turmoil
The 27-year-old Slovenian basketball icon took time to engage with a swarm of eager fans near the tunnel, signing autographs and greeting supporters with a composed demeanor. This display of professionalism came despite the significant personal challenges unfolding off the court, demonstrating his commitment to both his team and his supporters during this difficult period.
Legal Battle Escalates Hours Before Game
Just hours before Doncic took to the court, TMZ reported that Goltes had filed a petition in a California court seeking substantial child support and attorney fees from the NBA superstar. The document reportedly states that Goltes moved back to Slovenia with their eldest daughter in May 2025, where they have remained since, and gave birth to their second daughter in December 2025.
In a statement provided to ESPN, Doncic expressed his devotion to his children, saying: 'I love my daughters more than anything and I've been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the US during the season, but that hasn't been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement. 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.'
Relationship History and Recent Developments
Doncic proposed to fitness model Goltes, his childhood sweetheart, in July 2023 after seven years of dating. The relationship showed signs of strain in January when Goltes posted a cryptic social media message about 'a decade of hard lessons,' with Doncic notably absent from the post.
The legal petition comes just six months after Doncic signed a massive $165 million contract extension with the Lakers, adding financial complexity to the custody dispute. According to ESPN reports, Doncic had 'no idea' Goltes had filed the petition, indicating the sudden escalation of their legal conflict.
Custody Dispute and Hospital Incident
During his December visit to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter Olivia, Doncic reportedly expressed his desire to bring his first daughter Gabriela, aged 2, back to California with him. This led to a disagreement that resulted in police being called to the maternity ward of the hospital.
Authorities reportedly 'did not detect any elements of a criminal offense or misdemeanor perpetrated by Doncic.' The NBA star has not seen his ex-fiancee or daughters since that incident, having returned to the United States later that same day.
Upon his return, Doncic described the whirlwind visit to reporters: 'I don't even know how to describe it. It was a lot. I was there for the birth of my daughter, so that means everything to me. But it was definitely a rollercoaster.'
Current Situation and Future Implications
The Lakers star is now actively fighting for custody of his two daughters, who remain in Slovenia with their mother. This personal crisis unfolds as Doncic continues to perform at the highest level for the Lakers, balancing professional excellence with profound personal challenges.
The legal proceedings are expected to continue as both parties navigate the complexities of international custody arrangements, child support calculations based on Doncic's substantial NBA earnings, and the emotional toll of their relationship dissolution after many years together.
