Luka Doncic shares his most personal moment while the Lakers struggle without him

Luka Doncic surprised the NBA world with news off the court: the birth of his second daughter, Olivia. The Lakers guard returned to Slovenia to be with his wife Anamaria and live the moment fully. The franchise confirmed his absence, listing him out for personal reasons during the road trip.

As Athlonsports reported, Luka Doncic broke the silence with a short post on social media. A photo of his newborn and a simple “Olivia💕!” was enough to go viral, showing the more human side of a star usually defined by numbers.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic)

The impact on the Lakers’ trip

Luka Doncic’s absence came during key games against Toronto and Boston. Without his presence, the Lakers leaned on Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to carry the offense. The result wasn’t ideal. A loss to the Celtics dropped the team to 16-6, still near the top of the West but raising doubts about their ability to sustain success without their leader.

Coach JJ Redick admitted they hope to have Luka Doncic back for the matchup against Philadelphia, though he called it only a “possibility.” The uncertainty highlights how much the team depends on its star, who averages 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists this season.

A brilliant start with an unexpected pause

Luka Doncic had been crucial in the Lakers’ strong opening, appearing in 16 of the first 22 games and positioning the team as a contender. His absence, though understandable, leaves a gap hard to fill. LeBron James and Marcus Smart also missed the last game, multiplying the challenges.

The player’s family now includes two daughters. Olivia and two-year-old Gabriela. For Luka Doncic, this personal chapter contrasts with the relentless demands of the NBA. The challenge will be returning soon and maintaining the rhythm that made him Los Angeles’ engine.

Return still uncertain

The Lakers close their trip against the 76ers, and Luka Doncic’s return remains in doubt. Meanwhile, the team must prove it can compete without leaning too heavily on its star, even though everyone knows his presence changes the course of any game.