The Los Angeles Lakers’ season has been a whirlwind of highlight-reel performances, relentless playoff chatter, and, lately, off-court headlines that have everyone talking. Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ superstar guard and one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents, has been at the center of it all—both for his jaw-dropping numbers on the hardwood and a sudden, personal development that’s rippled through the basketball world.
This week, news broke that Doncic’s longtime partner and fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, filed a petition for child support in Los Angeles County, seeking financial support for their two young daughters. According to court documents first reported by TMZ Sports and confirmed by The California Post, Goltes submitted the filing on March 9, 2026, requesting both child support and attorney fees but notably not seeking any custody orders at this time.
The timing of the petition has added an unexpected layer to an already high-stakes NBA season. Doncic, who’s averaging an eye-popping 32.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, has been a driving force in the Lakers’ campaign and is currently a frontrunner in the league’s MVP race. But as the Lakers push deeper into the playoff hunt, the off-court situation involving Doncic and Goltes has become a storyline that’s impossible to ignore.
Goltes, a model and influencer, has been living in Slovenia with the couple’s two daughters since May 5, 2025. Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in November 2023 and recently turned two, while their youngest, Olivia, arrived in December 2025. The family’s living arrangements have shifted over the past year: they resided in Dallas from September 26, 2024, to February 6, 2025, then moved to Los Angeles from February 7, 2025, to May 4, 2025, before Goltes returned to Slovenia with the children.
The legal filings don’t specify a reason for the child support request, and Goltes’ attorney has yet to provide a public statement. However, the documents clarify that no custody changes are being sought—suggesting the request is primarily about formalizing financial and legal protections for the children. For high-profile families like Doncic and Goltes, such filings are not uncommon, especially when parents reside in different countries and want to ensure stability for their kids.
Doncic himself addressed the situation in a statement to ESPN, confirming the couple’s breakup and expressing his ongoing commitment to his daughters. "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," Doncic said. He continued, "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." Attempts to reach Doncic’s representatives for further comment have not produced a response as of press time.
The relationship between Doncic and Goltes has spanned nearly a decade, making them one of the NBA’s most enduring couples. They began dating in 2016, back when Doncic was a teenage sensation in Europe, and their journey together has mirrored his meteoric rise through the basketball ranks. After years together, Doncic proposed in July 2023 during a trip to Slovenia, a moment that was celebrated across social media and basketball circles alike.
The couple’s partnership weathered the storms of NBA stardom, including Doncic’s transition from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade in February 2025. Yet, despite their high profile, they’ve largely kept their relationship private. Goltes occasionally made headlines for her social media posts, particularly in January 2026, when she posted a message reflecting on “ups and downs” over the past decade but notably omitted any mention of Doncic.
As the Lakers’ season has unfolded, Doncic’s on-court brilliance has been undeniable. He’s not only the face of the Lakers franchise but also one of the league’s top performers, consistently ranking among the NBA’s scoring and assist leaders. His MVP campaign has been bolstered by a string of dominant performances, and he’s often mentioned alongside other elite talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in MVP discussions.
But with the child support filing now public, the media narrative has shifted. Off-court matters like these can have a profound impact—not just on the player involved but also on the team’s locker-room dynamics and the broader perception of the franchise. For the Lakers, who are eyeing a deep playoff run, the hope is that Doncic can maintain his focus amid the personal turbulence. It’s a delicate balance, and one that’s played out before with other NBA stars navigating personal challenges during critical junctures in their careers.
Observers have noted that it’s not unusual for athletes of Doncic’s stature to face increased scrutiny when personal issues become public. The NBA is no stranger to off-court dramas, and the league’s ecosystem—from teammates to coaches to fans—often rallies around players in such moments. In Doncic’s case, his professionalism and dedication to his craft have never been in doubt, but the coming weeks will test his ability to compartmentalize and lead the Lakers through the season’s most demanding stretch.
The situation also underscores the complexities of international relationships in professional sports. With Goltes and the children residing in Slovenia and Doncic based in Los Angeles, the logistics of co-parenting across continents are daunting. The child support petition, while a legal formality, highlights the challenges faced by families navigating life in the global spotlight.
For now, the Lakers and their fans will be watching closely to see how Doncic responds—both on and off the court. With the NBA playoffs looming and the MVP race heating up, every game, every headline, and every personal development is magnified. Will Doncic’s on-court heroics continue to overshadow the drama off the court? Or will the personal challenges become a defining subplot in what’s already been a season full of twists and turns?
As of today, the legal proceedings initiated by Goltes are ongoing, and no final decisions have been made regarding child support arrangements. The Lakers superstar remains focused on basketball, determined to give his daughters the best life possible, even as the spotlight shifts between his professional triumphs and personal trials. The story is still unfolding—and the basketball world is watching every step.