Luka Doncic is preparing for a major personal milestone as the Los Angeles Lakers star and his partner, Anamaria Goltes, heads to the hospital to give birth to their second child.
The couple shares one daughter, Gabriela, born December 1, 2023, and got engaged in July 2023, and Goltes recently updated fans on Instagram, stating her hospital bag is “ready to go,” signaling the child’s imminent arrival.
Social media responded quickly, with one post noting: “Anamaria on IG has her hospital bag ready. Luka gonna be a daddy again.”
The pregnancy was first revealed by Suzy magazine in October, indicating Gabriela would soon become a big sister, as Doncic’s personal life now intersects with his professional responsibilitie.
Meanwhile the Lakers continue a critical stretch of their season. The Slovenian’s team are 9-4 and scheduled to face the Milwaukee Bucks on November 15 at Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee enters at 8-5 highlighting how both teams have started strongly, each with distinct momentum and playing styles that could influence playoff positioning and season trajectories.
The Bucks has relied on an efficient offense averaging 120.2 points per game, while allowing 115.9 points on defense, and their balance has made them reliable at home, particularly in front of their fans, where they have maintained consistent success this season.
The Lakers, in contrast, average 116.1 points while surrendering 118.8 points per contest. On the road, Los Angeles favors a slower, more methodical approach, emphasizing disciplined defense and carefully structured offensive possessions against competitive opponents.
Doncic may suit up on November 15, despite this being the fifth game of an eight-day road trip through Atlanta, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, and Milwaukee.
However, the timing of Goltes’ labor could require him to miss the matchup to prioritize family responsibilities with some things simply greater than basketball. The European has posted 33.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.9 rebounds per game this season.
The demanding road trip schedule and professional expectations underscore the challenge elite athletes face balancing family and competition and Doncic’s potential absence highlights how personal milestones can impact team dynamics.
With Goltes heading to the hospital, the Lakers may need to adapt strategically, accounting for Luka’s temporary unavailability. The situation reflects the intersection of personal and professional responsibilities for top-tier NBA players during high-pressure periods.
LeBron James still ruled out for LA Lakers
Meanwhile the four-time NBA champion, LeBron James, remains sidelined due to sciatica – but has resumed practice with the Lakers’ G-League affiliate South Bay, further affecting plans.
The 40-year-old is yet to appear in 2025/26 for the team, but averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per-game in 2024/25 through 71 appearances, highlighting his immense talent and value to the team.
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