Luka Doncic Makes Personal Announcement After Lakers’ Elimination

In a seperate post, the six-time All-Star made a deeply personal announcement that put everything else in perspective.

Doncic announced he will not play for the Slovenian national team this summer, citing his ongoing pursuit of joint custody of his two daughters:

“I love my daughters more than anything, and they will always come first in my life. As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer. Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months.

I have given everything to representing Slovenia and l am disappointed that I will not be able to play for my country this summer. But right now, my daughters and my responsibilities as a father are my priority.”

Doncic led all NBA scorers during the regular season, averaging 33.8 points per game alongside 7.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists. But his season ended abruptly on April 2 when he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain against the Thunder, ultimately ruling him out throughout the playoffs. 

Away from the court, Doncic has been embroiled in a custody battle with his former fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, the mother of his two daughters, Gabriela and Olivia.

He has been navigating the custody battle privately while rehabbing an injury and managing the relentless scrutiny that comes with being one of the most famous athletes in the world.