Luka Doncic Shares Personal Update Amid Absence From Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 8:14 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have been without guard Luka Doncic during their road trip as he remains in Slovenia for the birth of his second child.

The Lakers listed him out for personal reasons this week, and he did not travel for games against the Toronto Raptors or Boston Celtics.

Doncic made his first public comments on Saturday morning when he posted an update on Instagram from home. The photo showed his newborn daughter along with a short caption.

“Olivia!” Doncic wrote along with the picture of his daughter.

The 26-year-old returned to Slovenia earlier in the week after he and his wife, Anamaria, welcomed their second daughter on Thursday.

View this post on Instagram

Reports confirmed the birth shortly before the Lakers faced the Raptors, and the timing ensured he would miss at least the early part of the Lakers' ongoing three-game trip.

Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said the team hopes to have him back for Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, calling it a "possibility."

Doncic has been key to the Lakers’ strong start this season, averaging 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists through the first quarter of the season while appearing in 16 of Los Angeles' 22 games through Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Doncic's absence has coincided with a stretch in which Los Angeles has relied heavily on Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to handle additional offensive duties.

LeBron James and fellow veteran Marcus Smart also missed Friday's matchup against the Celtics, ending in a loss added to Los Angeles' record, now 16-6 and good for third-best in the Western Conference.

Doncic’s family now includes two daughters, with Olivia joining two-year-old Gabriela.

The Lakers will close their road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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