In a heartfelt moment that has captured the attention of NBA fans worldwide, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has broken his silence regarding his recent absence from the team. The Slovenian superstar, who has been sidelined for personal reasons during the Lakers’ ongoing road trip, shared a touching update from his home in Slovenia via Instagram on Saturday morning.
The post featured a precious photo of his newborn daughter, accompanied by a simple yet emotional caption: “Olivia💕!” This revelation comes just days after reports confirmed the birth of his second child with wife Anamaria on Thursday. The timing of the birth ensured that Doncic would miss key games, including matchups against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics, as he prioritized family over the court.
Doncic, 26, returned to Slovenia earlier in the week to be by his family’s side. The Lakers officially listed him out for personal reasons, and he did not travel with the team for their three-game road swing. This absence has left a noticeable void in the Lakers’ lineup, especially given Doncic’s stellar performance this season. Through the first 22 games, he has appeared in 16, averaging an impressive 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game—numbers that have been instrumental in propelling the Lakers to a strong 16-6 record, placing them third in the Western Conference.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation, expressing optimism about Doncic’s return. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Redick described it as a “possibility” for Doncic to rejoin the team for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. “We’re hoping to have him back soon,” Redick noted, emphasizing the team’s support for their star player during this joyous yet challenging time.
In Doncic’s absence, the Lakers have leaned on other key contributors to fill the gap. Guards Austin Reaves and forward Rui Hachimura have shouldered additional offensive responsibilities, stepping up in crucial moments. However, the team faced a tough setback on Friday, falling 126-105 to the Boston Celtics—a game that also saw veterans LeBron James and Marcus Smart sidelined. Despite the loss, the Lakers remain a formidable force in the West, thanks in large part to the foundation built early in the season.
Doncic’s growing family now includes two daughters: the newborn Olivia and her 2-year-old sister, Gabriela. This personal milestone adds a new layer to the narrative of one of the NBA’s most dynamic players, who has balanced superstardom with fatherhood since Gabriela’s arrival.
As the Lakers prepare to wrap up their road trip with a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off against the 76ers on Sunday, all eyes will be on whether Doncic makes his triumphant return. Fans and teammates alike are sending their congratulations, turning what could have been a routine absence into a bombshell story of family, resilience, and the human side of professional sports.
Stay tuned for updates as the Lakers continue their push in what promises to be an exciting season. For now, congratulations to Luka Doncic and his family on the arrival of baby Olivia!