Lakers star Luka Doncic has had a chaotic week, two missed games, a cross-continent trip, and the birth of his second daughter, but the 26-year-old returned to the court with a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most gifted players on the planet.
And for Luka, the only thing overshadowing a 31, 15 and 11 triple-double was the joy of becoming a father again.
Doncic was initially ruled out of the Lakers’ road games for “personal reasons,” but it quickly became clear he had flown back to Slovenia to join fiancée Anamaria Goltes for the arrival of their baby girl.
On Saturday morning, he announced the news on Instagram: Olivia has officially joined Gabriela as the newest member of the Doncic–Goltes family.
After rejoining the team in Philadelphia and leading Los Angeles to its first win there in eight years, Luka was asked postgame what it means to now be a father of two. He didn’t hold back.
“It’s the best thing in the world,” Doncic said via NBA on X. “Obviously, two girls, they’re going to make my life hell, for sure. I know that. I’m going to be their security after I retire. All jokes aside, it’s the best thing in the world. I’m just blessed.”
“They’re going to make my life hell, for sure. I’m going to be their security after I retire.”
Luka had jokes about the birth of his second daughter 😂 pic.twitter.com/kwWNod7YHV
— NBA (@NBA) December 8, 2025
It instantly struck a chord with Lakers fans, many of whom remembered the way Kobe Bryant publicly embraced being a “girl dad.” Bryant and Doncic shared a close connection during Luka’s early NBA years, and the echoes of that legacy weren’t lost on anyone.
While Doncic was away, LeBron James and Austin Reaves carried the load in one win and one loss, but the entire team celebrated the moment Luka shared his family news.
James was among the first to comment on his teammate’s Instagram announcement, sending his congratulations to the growing family.
