Luka Dončić discusses family struggles and Lakers role

NBA star Luka Dončić has opened up about the significant personal challenges he faced during his recent season with the Los Angeles Lakers. In an extensive interview with Sports Illustrated, Dončić revealed that a difficult custody battle with his former fiancée, Anamarija Goltes, severely impacted his private life.

Dončić disclosed that he saw his two daughters, Gabriela and Olivia, for only four or five days throughout the entire previous season. He expressed deep emotional distress over the separation, stating, “I can’t go another season like that.” The family dispute reportedly escalated last December in Slovenia following the birth of his second daughter, leading to a police intervention at a hospital in Kranj.

In addition to his personal struggles, Dončić discussed his evolving role within the Lakers following the departure of LeBron James. He described it as an honor to become a central figure for the franchise and reflected on his decision to play through a hamstring injury last season, a move he expressed regret over due to the team's championship potential. On the court, Dončić continues to show high performance, recently recording 23 points in a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.