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Authored by Dave McMenamin
From Several Writers
LOS ANGELES — Lakers prominent player Luka Dončić has ended his engagement with Anamaria Goltes, according to his statement to ESPN. Individuals familiar with the situation further indicated that Dončić is currently involved in a custody dispute concerning their two daughters.
“My daughters mean the world to me, and I’ve tried tirelessly to have them join me in the U.S. during the season. As this proved unfeasible, I recently made the difficult choice to conclude my engagement,” Dončić declared in a statement given to ESPN on Tuesday. “Every action I take is for their well-being, and I am committed to always striving to be with them and provide them with the finest life possible.”
On Tuesday, TMZ disclosed that Goltes had submitted a petition requesting child support payments and legal expenses from Dončić. Individuals informed about Dončić’s circumstances informed ESPN that the filing occurred in California, a state where one of his daughters spent only three months last spring, and the other has never resided. Dončić reportedly possessed “no prior knowledge” of Goltes’ petition.
Those familiar with Dončić’s affairs further stated that Dončić, who finalized a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers in August, has consistently supported his family and covers his daughters’ costs “without any restrictions.”
Dončić, aged 27, proposed to Goltes, a professional fashion and fitness model, in July 2023. The couple had been acquainted since childhood and began their relationship in 2016.
Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in November 2023 in the United States when Dončić played for the Dallas Mavericks. Several months following his trade to the Lakers, their second child, Olivia, arrived in December in Slovenia.
Earlier this season, Dončić took leave from the Lakers to journey to Slovenia for Olivia’s birth, consequently sitting out matches against the Toronto Raptors on December 4 and the Boston Celtics on December 5.
While in Slovenia, Dončić conveyed his wish to return to the United States with Gabriela as he rejoined the team in Philadelphia for their December 7 game against the 76ers. A conflict arose with his then-fiancée, leading Goltes, 27, to contact law enforcement after Dončić’s tranquil departure from the hospital, as per sources acquainted with the circumstances who spoke to ESPN.
Police officers arrived at Kranj Maternity Hospital on December 6 to speak with Goltes. They also questioned Dončić at his residence. As indicated by the police report, which ESPN reviewed, officials found “no evidence of any criminal activity or misdemeanor” committed by Dončić.
Later that same day, Dončić returned to the United States by air, sources conversant with the situation disclosed to ESPN.
He has not had contact with his daughters or Goltes since that time.
Following the Sixers game, when questioned about his journey to Slovenia, Dončić commented: “It’s hard to put into words. It was an intense experience. Being present for my daughter’s birth means everything, but it was certainly a tumultuous time.”
Last week, Goltes removed all images featuring her and Dončić from her Instagram profile, sparking considerable online discussion regarding the pair’s relationship status.
On February 26, Dončić submitted an interim injunction to the Slovenian courts, requesting prompt access to Gabriela and Olivia, according to sources informed about the matter who spoke to ESPN. Since his flight to Los Angeles for Lakers training camp on September 26, Dončić has spent only two days with his daughters.
During his inaugural full season with the Lakers, the 6-foot-8 guard has achieved an impressive league-best average of 32.5 points, complemented by 8.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds. Los Angeles, holding a 39-25 record, is scheduled to host the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24) this Tuesday evening.