Luka Doncic Expected to Miss Two Games for Personal Reasons Amid Buzz About Growing Family
Luka Doncic is set to miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ next two games due to personal reasons, and while the team hasn’t offered specifics, fans are connecting the dots - and the story off the court might be just as compelling as what Doncic has been doing on it.
The timing of Doncic’s absence has sparked speculation that the Lakers star is welcoming his second child with fiancée Anamaria Goltes. While nothing has been officially confirmed by the couple or the team, the buzz picked up steam after Goltes posted a telling message on Instagram earlier this week, asking for advice on “tandem nursing a toddler and a newborn.” That’s not exactly a cryptic clue.
For Lakers fans, the potential addition to Doncic’s growing family has become a moment of celebration. Social media lit up with congratulations, jokes, and even a few pleas for Doncic to suit up anyway - because the Lakers are heading into a tough stretch of games, including a marquee matchup against the Celtics.
One fan joked, “The baby can wait, we need Luka against the Celtics!” Another chimed in with a classic NBA Twitter jab, referencing Devin Booker: “Thought it was his third… Devin?!?” Even Draymond Green’s name got pulled into the mix, because of course it did.
But beyond the jokes and memes, there’s genuine excitement around what this moment could mean for Doncic - and for the Lakers. The idea of "dad strength" is a running theme in NBA lore, and fans are already wondering if this next chapter in Doncic’s life could unlock an even more dominant version of the superstar guard.
And let’s be clear: Doncic has already been playing some of the best basketball of his career.
In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is averaging a staggering 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. He’s been the engine behind LA’s hot start, powering them to a 15-5 record and the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference. His playmaking, shot creation, and ability to take over late in games have made him the focal point of a Lakers team that looks like a legitimate contender.
Doncic’s personal life has also been in the spotlight over the past year. He and Goltes got engaged in 2023, the same year they welcomed their first daughter, Gabriela.
Earlier this week, Doncic posted a birthday message for Gabriela on Instagram, writing, “I can’t wait to see you soon.” That message, paired with Goltes’ recent IG story, suggests that his fiancée and daughter may not be living full-time in Los Angeles - and that Doncic’s absence is likely tied to a family reunion of the best kind.
There’s no official word yet on when Doncic will rejoin the Lakers lineup, but based on how he’s been playing, there’s little doubt he’ll return locked in and ready to pick up right where he left off.
For now, Lakers fans are sending their well wishes - and maybe a few diaper jokes - as they await both Doncic’s return to the court and confirmation of the newest addition to the Doncic-Goltes family.
And if the “dad strength” theory holds true, the rest of the league might want to brace themselves. A motivated Luka Doncic is already a problem.
A motivated Luka Doncic with a newborn? That’s a whole different level.