In a season already filled with high expectations and on-court drama, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is now facing personal turmoil off the hardwood. The Slovenian basketball sensation, who made headlines with his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks, is navigating the fallout from a public split with longtime partner Anamaria Goltes, the mother of his two young daughters. The situation has become a focal point not just for sports fans, but also for those following celebrity news and family law developments.
According to documents obtained by TMZ Sports, Anamaria Goltes filed a petition for child support in a U.S. court on March 10, 2026, seeking financial support for the couple’s daughters, Gabriela (born in 2023) and Olivia (born in 2025). The petition, filed in California, specifically requests child support and attorney fees, but does not address custody arrangements. This legal move comes amid reports that the couple, who began dating in 2016 and became engaged in Slovenia in 2023, have recently separated after nearly a decade together.
For many, the first signs of trouble became apparent on social media. Fans noticed Luka’s absence from Goltes’ Instagram feed, including her much-discussed 10-year wrap-up post. The digital silence fueled speculation, and soon rumors of a breakup began to swirl. While the couple has generally kept their personal affairs private, the lack of online interaction did not go unnoticed by their followers.
The situation escalated when ESPN’s Dave McMenamin confirmed the split, citing sources close to the couple. In a statement provided to ESPN, Doncic addressed the matter directly for the first time: “I love my daughters more than anything, and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement.” He continued, emphasizing his commitment as a father: “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.”
This public acknowledgment came on the heels of the child support filing. Sources familiar with the case told ESPN that Doncic, who inked a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers in August, has “always provided for his family and pays for his daughters’ expenses ‘without limitation.’” Despite the legal proceedings, there appears to be consensus that Doncic has consistently supported his children financially.
But the story took another turn in December 2025, during a visit by Doncic to Slovenia. According to ESPN, the couple had a significant disagreement when Doncic expressed a desire to bring their older daughter, Gabriela, back to the United States as he returned to join the Lakers for a game in Philadelphia. The argument escalated, leading Goltes, 27, to call the police. Authorities documented the incident, but found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on Doncic’s part. Since that episode, Doncic has not seen his daughters—a development that has weighed heavily on him, by all accounts.
While the legal and emotional aspects of the breakup play out, Doncic is also facing professional challenges. He was recently fined by the NBA for making an inappropriate gesture at game officials, and he’s just one technical foul away from his 16th of the regular season—a milestone that would trigger an automatic one-game suspension. The added scrutiny from referees and the league has only intensified the pressure on Doncic, who is still settling into his first full season in Los Angeles.
Despite the personal upheaval, Doncic has spoken positively about his new life in L.A. Since his trade from Dallas—a move many called one of the most shocking in recent NBA history—he’s adapted to the city’s beach lifestyle and warm weather. “It took him a few months to adjust to his new home, but Doncic has been openly happy about living in L.A.,” reported Newsweek. Yet, as is often the case with high-profile athletes, his private life remains a subject of intense speculation.
One persistent rumor that has captured the internet’s imagination is Doncic’s alleged involvement with American actress and model Madelyn Cline. The gossip mill went into overdrive after a parody account on X (formerly Twitter) claimed, “After a messy split from his wife, sources now confirm NBA superstar Luka Dončić is dating actress Madelyn Cline.” However, as TMZ Sports and other outlets have clarified, there is no confirmation of any romantic relationship between Doncic and Cline. The rumor remains just that—a rumor, with no evidence to support it as of March 10, 2026.
For those close to Doncic, the focus remains on his well-being and his role as a father. Sources stressed to ESPN that Doncic’s primary concern is the happiness and security of his daughters. The legal filings, while notable, do not appear to represent a battle over custody or visitation, but rather a formalization of financial arrangements already in place. Still, the emotional toll of not seeing his children since December is evident in Doncic’s public statements and demeanor.
The situation is further complicated by the international nature of the family. While Doncic is based in Los Angeles for the NBA season, Goltes and the children have remained in Slovenia. The California filing for child support is notable, especially since, according to ESPN, one of the daughters has never been to the state. These cross-border dynamics add another layer of complexity to what is already a sensitive family matter.
As the Lakers continue their campaign, all eyes are on Doncic—not just for his performance on the court, but also for how he manages the personal challenges that have come his way. Fans and commentators alike hope that he and Goltes can resolve their differences amicably, prioritizing the well-being of their children above all else. For now, the story serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars face struggles that go far beyond the game.
With the NBA playoffs approaching and the Lakers relying on Doncic’s leadership, the coming weeks will test not just his athletic prowess, but his resilience in the face of personal adversity. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Luka Doncic’s journey, both as an athlete and as a father, is unfolding in the public eye, with all its triumphs and tribulations.