Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is taking a brief hiatus from the NBA to celebrate a monumental personal milestone. The guard will miss the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers game, and his status remains questionable for a subsequent fixture, as he is in his native Slovenia for the birth of his second child with fiancée Anamaria Goltes.
A Joyful Family Announcement from Slovenia
Doncic, who had been listed as out for "personal reasons" for the team's last two contests, confirmed the happy news via social media. On Saturday morning, he shared a photograph of his newborn daughter and revealed her name in a simple, heartfelt post: "Olivia." This announcement came after he traveled to the capital city of Ljubljana to be present for the delivery, as reported by ESPN sources.
The arrival of baby Olivia follows the birth of the couple's first daughter, Gabriela, who was born in December 2023. Interestingly, both sisters now share the same birth month, creating a double celebration for the family each December. Doncic had previously expressed profound joy about fatherhood, calling Gabriela's birth the "happiest day of my life."
Social Media Buzz and Well-Wishes
Prior to the official announcement, Doncic hinted at the imminent family expansion. On November 30th, he posted a touching message on Instagram, saying, "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…" This post is now understood to be directed at his fiancée and their unborn child.
Anamaria Goltes also shared in the online celebration, posting a series of touching messages and well-wishes received from fans and followers. The notes, often accompanied by flowers, included advice for new mothers and reflections on raising two children, filling the couple's social media with love and support during this special time.
Impact on the Court and Expected Return
Doncic's absence has direct implications for his team's schedule. He has already missed games against the Toronto Raptors on December 4th and the Boston Celtics. His status for the Friday game following the Raptors matchup was listed as questionable due to his continued presence in Slovenia.
However, the Slovenian sensation is expected to return to NBA action soon. Sources indicate a likely comeback for the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, allowing him a short but precious period to be with his growing family. The team has supported his decision to prioritize this life event, understanding the significance of the moment.
This story beautifully intertwines the demanding world of professional sports with universal personal joys. As Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes welcome Olivia into their world, fans globally extend their congratulations, eagerly awaiting Doncic's return to the hardwood with his family's support behind him.
